This spellbinding, romantic journey begins with a simple encounter between a man and a woman. But what happens next defies the boundaries of the world we think we know—delving into the infinite possibilities of their relationship and raising questions about the difference between choice and destiny.
“Who knew that higher physics could be so sexy, so accessible—and so emotionally devastating?” New York Times
Constellations features Meghan VanArsdalen and Forrest Hejkal. Directed by Carla Milarch. The production and design team includes Forrest Hejkal (scenic design), Dan Walker (lighting design), Diane Hill (sound design) and Michelle Resnick (stage manager).
Jan. 26-Feb. 18, 2018
8:00 pm on Thu., Fri., and Sat. and 2:00 pm on Sun.
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ENCORE MICHIGAN
It coulda been, shoulda been, mighta been in Theatre Nova’s ‘Constellations’
“The direction by Milarch is pitch perfect, capturing the nuances of multiple variations on a theme and making easy-to-follow and deeply affecting what, in less capable hands, could have been a muddled mess. Yet, it is the stars of Constellations (pun intended) who make this must-see entertainment. Van Arsdalen and Hejkal give as good as they get, presenting beautifully flawed, profoundly moving characterizations through a swirl of could-have-been, should-have-been, and might-have-been moments in time. Together they are a revelation."
WE LOVE ANN ARBOR
In Review: Theatre Nova’s “Constellations” Is A Complex, Captivating And Winning Formula
“How could a play based on quantum physics be compelling enough for my Saturday night? Easy — two incredible, charismatic actors who effortlessly draw the audience in and the fact that the physics is mixed with an enthralling love story... Above all, the show is funny! VanArsdalen and Hejkal kept my husband and I, as well as the entire audience, laughing throughout. As I looked around, I saw so many smiles of pure enjoyment.”
PULP: ARTS AROUND ANN ARBOR
MULTIVERSES OF MEANING: "CONSTELLATIONS" AT THEATRE NOVA
“The two actors also work beautifully together; a script as intricate and ever-shifting as this needs implicit trust and sensitivity between actors, and Hejkal and VanArsdalen play off and rely on each other with tenderness and dedication. The energy and flow never flagged throughout the duration of the play, a tribute to Carla Milarch’s sure-handed directing.
Despite the possible existence of multiverses, with many different possible outcomes, no matter when you go to see Constellations the outcome will never be anything short of stunning."
ARTS AT MICHIGAN
REVIEW: Constellations
"Skillful is the least you need to be to switch from angry to loving, bouncy to pensive, in a split second, and these actors were worlds better than merely skillful...I think several lifetimes happened over the course of the play, lifetimes that contained laughter, awkwardness, poignancy, anger, and love all at once."
DAMN ARBOR
See the Stars in CONSTELLATIONS
“It isn’t often that I ponder the meaning of life after seeing a play. But Theater Nova’s Constellations made me do exactly that. As soon as the actors took their bows my brain started whirring about, putting pieces together to make things fit. And know that there are a lot of pieces to fit together in this charming, heartbreaking, soul-wrenching, wonderful 70 minutes of art. Helped along by clever lighting changes, outstanding directing and amazing acting, Constellations hits all the right stars in the galaxy."
A2 ARTS ADDICT
REVIEW: Theatre Nova’s ‘Constellations’ explores one couple’s alternate realities
“The two actors play off each other well, and director Carla Milarch makes good use of the space – framed by (set designer Hejkal’s) glowing honeycomb backdrop – by having VanArsdalen and Hejkal move like particles that can’t decide whether to bond or break free already.
There are laughs and touching moments in “Constellations” ...with a certain romantic holiday on the horizon, “Constellations” offers a pretty perfect valentine of a date option, no matter what you each see when you look at it."
CONSTELLATIONS
by Nick Payne
Marianne - Meghan VanArsdalen
Roland - Forrest Hejkal
Director - Carla Milarch
Stage Manager - Michelle Resnick
Set, Props design - Forrest Hejkal
Light design - Daniel C. Walker
Sound design - Diane Hill
photos by Jee-Hak Pinsoneault
