Theatre Review: Hello, From The Children of The Planet Earth Is A Cosmic Hit
The Playwright’s Realm presents Hello, From The Children of Planet Earth: a sweet look into the ups and down of being human and making one. When Shoshana (played fiercely by Dana Berger) and Betsy (played vulnerably by Kaaron Briscoe) decide to try one last time for a baby, they ask Betsy’s old friend, William (played nobly by Jeffrey Omura), to be their sperm donor. For a guy working at NASA to launch voyagers into space, the idea of fatherhood seems way harder.
Written by Don Nguyen, Hello, From The Children of Planet Earth rises as a play that gives hope in humanity: not simply for it. While any hope is treasured in these dark times, we often see hope as something aimed for the future, which is natural. We want to hope that the unknown holds a kinder place for us than what we have known. Yet, Nguyen’s writing has been acclaimed because he sees hope as something present: within every human being that decides to take the risk at being loved rather than being hurt.
Being open to life is a risk because the more you try to live also means the more you will be hurt. Yet, true strength is realizing openness also signifies you will be happier. Watching Shoshana, Betsy, and William try, fail, try again, and fail better is both heart-warming and relatable. The three are a symbolic triumvirate of the simple battles we face when we want the best for ourselves: from career to family. Moroever, they are a casually impactful lesson on how life does not care that you have failed or suffered so much, to give you one extra failure or hurdle to cross. Like every person, our life feels more defined by the tiny triumphs and losses we make rather the huge ones that come like rare comets. Thus, for 90 minutes, your heart grows bigger and bigger for these characters because you understand them.
Life is wonderful and horrible, all at once, but you get to choose in which one you will invest.
Hello, From The Children of Planet Earth is funny, kind, and plays like a living film proving this point. Every moment feels like a scene in a reel, of which Olivia Oguma (Farthest Explorer) steals the show. She plays the voyager/ space shuttle sent to reach Mars and created by William and Freddy (played the hilariously dynamic Jon Hoche). While every actor shines in their respective roles, it is her interjections in between scenes go from silly to seriously wise. The sudden, whimsical growth of her character/ object is like seeing gold become shinier. You do not know when it happens, but suddenly your laughter becomes lessons you want to treasure.
Directed by Jade King Carroll, Hello, From The Children of Planet Earth is surprisingly “Oprah-esque” in its desire to reach and elevate audience’s hearts. Its minimalist set, created by Kimie Nishikawa, and starry lighting, by Nicole Pearce, highlights Carroll and Nguyen’s desire to show the cosmic foundation within every individual.Thus, Hello, From The Children of Earth is a celebration of people’s resilience to not simply fight against those that oppose them, but to love those that support them. Hello, From The Children of Planet Earth is playing at The Duke Theatre until March 24. Located: The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 Click Here For Tickets.
