Review: Outside In Theatre’s “Room by the Sea” reimagines myth

From left: Cole Massie (Boy) and Carene Rose Mekertichyan (Girl) in "Room by the Sea" at Outside In Theatre (Photo by Mallury Patrick Pollard Photography)

Outside In Theatre, a new nonprofit stage in Highland Park, focuses on producing stories for and by traditionally marginalized groups and their allies. Its impressively restored venue boasts several performance spaces and a picturesque bar area.

Together with Coin & Ghost and After Hours Theatre Company, its current staging of John Guerra’s new play “Room by the Sea” embraces that mission wholeheartedly, from conception to production.

Guerra’s script subverts the well-known Greek tale of Icarus — a boy who flies too close to the sun with waxen wings made by his father Daedalus — in multiple ways, notably by humanizing the mythical characters and creating practical obstacles that a modern audience can connect with.

Robert Paterno (Father) in "Room by the Sea" at Outside In Theatre (Photo by Mallury Patrick Pollard Photography)

Even the character names are somewhat anonymous, allowing for a broad interpretation. Robert Paterno as “Father” and Cole Massie as “Boy” are strong together. Their scenes are powerful, both showing a range of emotions that make their characters more human and a joy to watch. And like Massie himself, Boy uses a wheelchair, an invention of Father’s.

Carene Rose Mekertichyan has a multifaceted role as “Girl.” She acts, dances and manipulates shadow puppets, beautifully designed by Chu-Hsuan Chang. Bruce A. Lemmon as “King” is also a strong presence on stage, imposing and authoritative until he needs to be vulnerable. 

From left: Bruce A. Lemmon (King) and Carene Rose Mekertichyan (Girl) in "Room by the Sea" at Outside In Theatre (Photo by Mallury Patrick Pollard Photography)

Guerra’s work is carefully interpreted by director Brian Hashimoto. The stripped-down nature of the story is reflected in the abstract set by scenic designer Mark Kanieff. Drab shades of brown and grey serve as the perfect canvas for Chang’s shadow puppets while making the setting ambiguous to allow the actors to shine. 

While all of the production elements are impressive, the show may suffer from an embarrassment of riches. A guided entrance to the theater, lighting, voiceover, projection and numerous small set changes can feel like stagecraft for stagecraft’s sake. The simplicity of the story and the intensity of the actors feel slightly overshadowed by a flashy show. That said, it is very polished, especially for opening night. 

From left: Robert Paterno (Father) and Cole Massie (Boy) in "Room by the Sea" at Outside In Theatre (Photo by Mallury Patrick Pollard Photography)

“Room by the Sea” offers a show that not only evangelizes accessibility to theater and art, it lives and breathes it. Although Boy has dreams specific to himself, his longing for freedom is universal — a simple drive that can help us attempt, and sometimes achieve, the impossible. 

“Room by the Sea” continues through March 10 at Outside In Theatre, 5317 York Blvd.,

Los Angeles, with shows Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For tickets and information, visit OutsideInTheatre.org. Run time is 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission.