Theater Review: “Family of Strangers”

“Family of Strangers” is a riveting play about a family’s dysfunction, a terrible event and the overtones inherent in such matters.

The play features some wonderful work and talent. I have marveled at Adam Pagdon’s work before (See “Want and Need” November 2012). In “Family of Strangers,” he gives an absorbing performance as Evan, one of two children dealing with the imminent death of their father and the aforementioned other matters that will keep you in suspense.

Director Maria Riboli, who acted in “Want and Need” and writer John Pastore are both great talents. They continue to do really compelling work.

The other three actors all gave riveting performances. It can not be easy to be in a bed onstage for 90 or so minutes playing a dying father, but Tom Cappadona gave a great performance doing so. I saw some De Niro in him, well deserved high praise indeed.

Vito Leanza performs admirably as “Doctor Rubin” who offers key advice and perspective.

I “fell” for Jessica Knutson and not just because she did incredible exercise on stage and not even because of her outward beauty. She was great as were all the actors and overall production, in playing a vulnerable but strong, realistic character.

I strongly suggest getting to Roy Arias Studios and Theaters Stage 2 at 300 West 43rd Street and seeing “Family of Strangers” as soon as possible. For tickets go to smarttix.com and search Family of Strangers.