Humorous Empathy from North Coast Rep

David Dixon reviews North Coast Repertory Theatre video production of Human Error, directed by Jane Page, professor of directing in the department of drama, for San Diego Story.

"Before North Coast Repertory Theatre’s Zoom video production of Human Error begins, Artistic Director David Ellenstein states in his introduction that the West Coast Premiere is a “timely” one. As audiences spend time with the main characters, it becomes clear why Ellenstein used that word.

Hopeful parents, liberal Michigan yoga teacher, Madelyn (Allison Spratt Pearce) and her academic comedy researcher husband, Keenan (Terrell Donnell Sledge), have a life changing meeting with the inept Dr. Hoskins (Martin Kildare) at a fertility clinic. The negligent doctor reveals that their embryo was accidentally placed inside an Ohio homemaker, Heather (Jacque Wilke).

Madelyn and Keenan are soon introduced to the conservative Heather and her Ohio State football and gun-loving husband, Jim (Max Macke). Heather agrees to carry Madelyn’s baby to term, and the couples end up forming unexpected connections.

Eric Pfeffinger’s script starts off as a breezy comedy, with broad comical punchlines and situations. Yet, the more the couples interact with each other, Pfeffinger’s writing goes into deeper territory.

The playwright’s tale is about forming meaningful relationships, even with people who share contrasting personal beliefs. Pfeffinger writes the couples with nuance and depth."

Read the entire feature at sandiegostory.com here.

Pictured left to right: (top) Jacque Wilke, Max Macke, Terrell Donnell Sledge, (bottom) Allison Spratt Pearce, Jane Page, director, Martin Kildare. Photo by Aaron Rumley.