Written and directed by Dr. Danielle Bacibianco

Performed by Jordyn Rubinsky and Lillie Schenkel

11:30 am, Sunday, June 21, 2026

I came to this show with more than the average audience member’s knowledge of the subject matter. Dr. Bacibianco deserves high marks for presenting the evolution of a relationship between addicts accurately, believably, and compellingly.

Aurora is a newbie in A.A. while Gray has a couple of years under her belt. Their membership in the program isn’t explored, which is unfortunate given what happens. We don’t get a sense of what brought them to the point of seeking help with their addictions.

Aurora ignores the A.A. suggestion of avoiding new relationships in the first year of recovery, leaping to the 13^th Step and into Gray’s arms. They are brimming with enthusiasm about how their lives will play out as a couple staying clean and sober together

The actors explore a full range of emotion and movement, with the temperature of their affection (and lust) easily measured by the distance between their bodies. Music feeds into how the couple feel about themselves and each other. The moments without words are sometimes sweet, sometimes melodramatic, and sometimes frightening.

Whether the significance of the names of the characters is intentional or not, Gray and Aurora fulfill the promise of their names. Gray becomes increasingly indeterminate and inconclusive as she steps away from sobriety. Aurora brightens their interactions and embraces the hope of each new day.

The tragic ending plays well but lacks a foundation. We don’t know why Gray sought sobriety, and it seems she didn’t know. That missing element can explain why she starts drinking and using again. Regardless, it is, sadly, a truthful ending.