Review: Second Thought Theatre Entertains Audiences with IS EDWARD SNOWDEN SINGLE?

Is Edward Snowden Single

By Kate Cortesi

Directed by Caroline Hamilton

Produced by Second Thought Theatre

Reviewed by: Grant Palmore

Questions of truth challenge us individually and collectively as a culture. For example, Is truth absolute or relative to your perception? Second Thought Theatre’s lively production of Is Edward Snowden Single? examines the complexity of these queries with vivid scrutiny.

The irreverent romp by playwright Kate Cortesi embodies the lives of two best friends, Mimi (played by Laura Lyman Payne) and April (played by Alyssa Carrasco), as they immerse themselves and their audience in the facets of their lives through the narrative of characters that push and pull them together — one of which is the notable United States secret intelligence whistleblower, Edward Snowden (played by Ben Stegmair). 

The immersive play keeps break-neck speed as we flash through the witty interchanges between April and Mimi while they transition from conversation to conversation, scene to scene, and character to character throughout the majority of the performance (heightened by Jasmine Woods’ witty costume augmentations to April and Mimis’ casual dress). From the start of the play, Lyman Payne and Carrasco command the stage powerfully, infused with endearing magnetism. Their self-referential banter is supremely entertaining and layered with complexity. While we see two women conceive a tale, their transcendental biting commentary about the nature of truth boils beneath the surface. Lyman Payne and Carrasco impress with their abilities to elicit side-splitting comic levity in one moment and sincere emotional depth in another. 

Stegmair completes the picture as the titular Edward Snowden. Stegmair balances his performance between convincing impressions of the real Snowden and the lovesick version Mimi creates in her fantasies. Stegmair delights as Snowden in his amusing interchanges with Mimi, demonstrating wistful passion beneath his typically placid façade or through the device of a bespectacled stuffed bear (who Stegmair also puppeteers skillfully).

Additionally, the exceptional execution of the production’s technical aspects elevate the performance in almost every instance (Technical Direction by José Torres). The intricately-decorate set presents a quaint and stylish apartment to start; however, quick, inventive shifts of light, screen projection, and sound effects transport the audience to coffee shops, dance clubs and more (Set/Projection Design by Justin Locklear, Lighting Design by Ryan Burkle, Sound Design by Noah Heller). Each thoughtful transformation brings additional clarity to the story and deepens the impact of the material. 

Second Thought Theatre’s production of Is Edward Snowden Single? incites a fun and provocative night of entertainment (Direction by Caroline Hamilton). See Second Thought Theatre’s remarkable production while tickets are still available. Is Edward Snowden Single? runs from Friday, March 24 - Saturday, April 8. at Second Thought Theatre in central Dallas. Get your tickets today!

Run Time: 2 hours, 10 minute intermission

Audience Rating: R (strong language, sexual innuendos, brief sexual situations)

Accessible Seating: Not available 

Hearing Devices: Not available

Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available

Production Sound Level: Comfortable volume level 

Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: No abnormal noises or visuals

Check it out!

Grant Palmore