A cautionary tale to all of us having survived the early 21st-Century pandemic? Possibly. That another might be down the pike? Possibly.

The concept of the play is that twenty years from now, if it were to happen again, we will lose more people, but this time the loss will include electricity, our homes, our societies; all will be pushed backward. Technology falling apart and wild dogs at the door. Literally.

Rebecca Chace’s new play, Obit, is a twist on the old story of an academic taking advantage of their student, or in this case their student’s mother. It is full of rich, smart dialogue and opens with the premise that New York Times obit writer Maya Hawthorne (Carolyn Holding) has come to the home of esteemed, aging College President Phillip Stern (the always great Richard Topol) to interview him for his obituary. Most newspapers and television news stations stockpile “advance obituaries” of prominent and public figures. Often, they interview the individuals and family members well before their death so that they may craft a more personal obit and have it ready when needed.

Hawthorne is there to interview President Stern, the man who saved an upstate New York college from closing, which allowed so many to come back to school and get degrees that led directly to jobs that paid and allowed them to have lives. Hawthorne was a student under Stern, and she was on a track to get a degree. She was on a path to success, but all that changed one fateful day. I don’t want to say too much, as surprise is necessary for the viewing of this narrative.

The story follows many paths. Maybe a few paths too many. Paths overgrown with an abundance of ideas that confuse and conjure, and then gradually dissipate.

Holding and Topol do all they can with the story, and hats off to them. Make no misunderstanding, I do feel that this story has great possibility. But right now, it feels like a draft not completed.

Revenge, vengeance, and grudges are carried for decades. While cleansing, retribution, and justice are all pieces of the puzzle still needing to be put together. This confusion is also reflected physically in the staging and choreography, which at times was rather clumsy.

For the most part, director Will Steinberger uses the space well. Sitting and talking has power. Trust us. We, the viewers, will sit and will listen.

“Obit” by Rebecca Chace, directed by Will Steinberger, presented by Theater for the New City.

With: Carolyn Holding and Richard Topol

Creative Team: Production Stage Manager – Abby Fry, Lighting Design – Dante Olivia Smith, Set and Costume Design – Anna Grigo, Sound Designer – Brian Hickey, Consulting Producer – Amy Fritz

Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. (at E.10th Street)

Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 3:00 PM
$20 gen. adm., $15 seniors & students
TICKETS: HERE  or Box Office (212) 254-1109

Runs: 90 minutes, no intermission