Goodbye by John Mark Jernigan a new play directed by Chris Crawford with music by Anthony R. Smith. The show starred T. Robert Pigott and he was seated center stage at the start of the show. Various interpersonal dinettes spiraled around him. Two men (Brian Brammer, Jeffery Correia) began an affair. One was cautious ant the other threw himself into the relationship without a second thought. A young mother (Lauren Culver) was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of raising a new born child. She met a young man (John Mark Jernigan) in the park and his friendship helped give her strength. He adored the child and his attention gave her moments of rest. Later as she expressed her gratitude and affection he let her know that he was gay. The last relationship was between the main character and his sister. Their relationship was about contentious but you could tell she loved him, despite their differences.
As these scenarios played out it slowly became apparent that they were all moments from the main characters pas life. He had been impetuous and passionate. He been open to ta young mothers plight and given her hope, and his relationship with his sister had given them both strength because of the shared history.
For some reason an urn stood quietly on a stool at the back of the stage. As I sketched I wondered what it might mean. The main character began talking about his love of scuba diving and how quiet and serine it was under water. As he sank below the shimmering surface of the ocean he began to cry. Needless to say, it is hard to breath through the air tank respirator while crying. His sister reacted with shock and dismay to a call she received.
They say your life flashes before your eyes when it is your time to die. Perhaps that is what just transpired. Though never stated implicitly we were left wondering if that vase was full of ash. The lesson learned might be that we should live life without compromise. Nothing is guaranteed. All we can do is love and support each other along the way. The smallest kindness can have a huge impact on someone else’s life.
