The moral of this story is never say that things can’t get any worse; they definitely can. The bright spot in a world filled with tumult is that I was Most Alive with You is riveting theater. Craig Lucas’s writing, Tyne Rafaeli’s direction, and most notably the sheer brilliance of the cast combine to leave the audience spellbound. By the end of the play, we’ve been so drawn in we hold our breath awaiting the outcome. Lucas wrote this tome specifically for Russell Harvard, the mesmerizing actor who plays Knox, a man so naturally graceful that his earnest prayer at the beginning of the show looks like ballet. Knox is deaf, which he considers a blessing, along with being gay and also a recovering addict. Knox has had to overcome many obstacles in his life, but striving to do so has afforded him great compassion and clarity. He’s in love with Farhad (Tad Cooley), a former male prostitute, and is working hard to help him get clean. He’s in a good place with his moody father, Ash (Michael Gaston); Ash’s writing partner, Astrid (Marianna Bassham) is his best friend; his chilly mother, Pleasant (Lisa Emery) is devoted to him; and he adores and is adored by his spirited grandmother, Carla (Lois Smith). Life is good. But then…Astrid and Ash decide to write a modern take on the bible story of Job, so they can pitch it to the network. It’s easy to believe when things are fine, but what about when everything goes horribly wrong? We soon find out. One catastrophe follows another, tearing apart this group of people who love each other. But how strong a unit are they? How much can anyone take? It’s difficult to contemplate this production with a lesser group of actors. Harvard is understandably perfect for this role. Through sheer joy to utter desolation, there is not a false note in his performance. We become enveloped in his world without even realizing it. His suffering becomes ours, and as he despairs, so do we. Michael Gaston is one of those actors we know we’ve seen, but we’re not sure where. Here, he takes a star turn. His Ash strikes the perfect note, trying his best to keep it all together in the face of his own fragile recovery and anguish. Lisa Emery lets us see the yearning and desperation beneath a frosty wasp demeanor. Lois Smith is, as always, warm and wise, with a golden soul shining through her eyes. Ted Cooley is edgy and sensual as Farhad; as Astrid, Marianna Bassham wraps pain with an intelligent, optimistic façade; and in Mariama, Gameela Wright brings strength and integrity to the forefront. There is a “shadow cast” of deaf actors who perform in ASL in the balcony above the stage. They are all talented actors, and the concept is a valid one. In addition, much of the action of the play is performed in sign language; the cast does a masterful job in integrating this with their spoken dialogue. I was Most Alive with You is often difficult to take; at times, it can even be harrowing. Even the most stoic of theater goers may end up in tears by the end. But nowhere currently playing in New York will you find a more thought provoking and moving production. Get there if you can.
