In physics we learn that the fourth dimension is time and that it is a constant linear function. In the works of Einstein we learn that it is relative. In quantum physics we learn it may not even be linear, what with the possibility of parallel universes. From playwright Kristina Meek, in her The Day After Yesterday, we learn the potential effect of non-linear, non-constant, parallel universe time on the life of one very perceptive young lady.
Gina (Kathleen Masse), an overworked cable-advertising salesperson, and the rest of the world have been advised by their respective governments that Tuesday would be a non-day and Wednesday would become the lost Tuesday. Confusing? Not really, for this has been discussed by science as a possible occurrence every few thousand years. Playwright Meek explores the emotional reaction to time shifts that appear to be going back and forth. This is no "Groundhog Day" but a horror story for Gina as time repeats itself - well almost - but never quite the same. An intriguing idea, well scripted, but not without challenges.
The Day After Yesterday feels, at just over an hour, like a work-in-progress that should be full-length to be fully explored. Also, to explore the multiple time shifts, the script requires many, many scenes. The scene changes, as done at North Park Vaudeville, are just too long. On the plus side, each scene is marked by a specific time. The times shift back and forth, change from English to Greek ideographs, and, then, simply disappear.
Kathleen Masse is charged with the slow deterioration of Gina. Gina appears to remember the vagaries of the time shifts and, thus, explores more than she can comprehend. Masse is in total command of her complex role. We can see and empathize with Gina's dilemma.
Robby Lyons plays Dirk, Gina's early date, lover, and fiance, as we travel around in time. He is a computer game nerd, a musician, and a bit more. Lyons does need, however, to speak just a bit above a stage whisper. Summer Golden plays Gina's mother as well as the image of "Fear." With some time shift she changes from a bible-belting mother to a hippie mom. Even her "Fear" role builds, creating much of the emotional change in Gina. Stephanie Jackson convincingly plays Josanne, a television reporter. She's definitely ready for the six o'clock news.
Even with the irksome scene changes, this is a very interesting experience, told partially from Meek's personal experiences and also as a way of exploring the effects something logically unacceptable has on the mind. In one scene, Dirk plays a video game in which two women are in combat. Masse and Jackson do an excellent stylized, video-game-style fight. Kudos to both of them and their director.
