Some hardly telegraphed reveals arrive abruptly, while other seemingly foreshadowed twists never come.
And yet, despite these maneuvers, the play never feels calculated.
The first, slightly scattered act establishes the plays dynamics.
Credit: Chris Whitaker
Carlin (Abigail Dylan Harrison) is nothing short of a tennis prodigy.
Jay blurs the line between coach and friend.
The tender first scene introduces their playful back-and-forth, his comfort touching Carlin in a platonic and instructive way.
Chris Whitaker
Shes also developed a bit of a crush on Jay.
Its a quietly brilliant tactic; were in Cyns headspace suddenly, viewing Jay through a completely different lens.
Cyn begins making Carlin change in the bathroom.
She tells her not to wear Jays clothes.
She questions why Jay doesnt have any other students.
Its a particularly significant idea for anyone whos wandered the competitive youth-sports space, and Peet just nails it.
Cyns dedication to Carlins success blinds her from the pressure shes putting on her daughter.
Indeed, its that pair who emerge as the beating heart of the play.
But the play still has an immersive quality to it, a theatrical involvement.
