And So It Goes

By George F. Walker

The United States Premiere

Directed by Benjamin McGovern+

Starring: Robert Dorfman* (Ned), Sally Wingert* (Gwen), Sara Marsh* (Karen), and James Craven* (Vonnegut)

Presented in production with The Mount Curve Company and North Star Theatricals at Artspace’s Grain Belt Warehouse

Creative Team: Jared Zeigler* (Stage Manager), Mary Shabatura (Lighting Designer), Lisa Jones (Costume Designer), Aaron Newman (Sound Designer), Katie Phillips (Properties Designer), Rick Miller (Assistant Stage Manager), Jack Tillman (Assistant Stage Manager), Michael James (Technical & Design Consultant)

Photos: Melissa Hesse

"Walker's play is perfect for Dark & Stormy Productions, the tiny company that has become a playground for some of the best actors in the Twin Cities...Comedy and tragedy are a volatile mixture, but the acting company (under the able direction of Benjamin McGovern) handles it with aplomb."

— Ed Huyck, Star Tribune

"Walker keeps the action light-footed with acerbic humor and rapid scene changes, fluidly negotiated by the confident cast under the direction of Benjamin McGovern, with the assistance of Mary Shabatura's dynamic lighting...The cast are completely at ease with these deeply uneasy characters, to the point that it's frightening to watch them as they skate off the rails...It's a strong staging of a play that asks hard questions about life and fate, with characters who are terrified that they might have discovered the unwelcome answers."

— Jay Gabler, City Pages

"That's a good way to think of it: some high-powered acting talent sharing the room with you — maybe sitting in the chair next to yours...Vonnegut is played by the rock-steady James Craven...Marsh does something with her eyes that conveys a lack of focus, a detachment...she seems authentically disturbed — maybe even a little dangerous. Much more dangerous is Dorfman's Ned. When he smiles malevolently at the audience, his menace seems real...Wingert appears unhinged from the start. Her character remains confident in her perceptions, even as they prove wrong."

— Eric Ringham, Minnesota Public Radio

"Presenting plays most of us haven't seen before, in spaces never meant for plays, on topics including sexual violence, torture, murder, mental illness and the abuse of power, Dark & Stormy Productions...makes us think and feel. And it brings us close to some of the cities' top actors…With 'And So It Goes,' Dark & Stormy continues its tradition of unexpected stories told by stellar casts. Each new play reinforces its reputation as a company worth watching…More, please."

— Pamela Espeland, MinnPost

"Dark & Stormy has another hit with And So It Goes...Wingert is a gem here, a flask of vinegar as the too-long suffering caregiver who has given up the pretense of caring. Marsh is a marvel of manic terror one moment, viscous character assassination another, the soul of reason the next minute. Dorfman remarkably maintains Ned's basic essence as he shifts from good naturedly turning the other cheek into a vigilante out to avenge his daughter's destroyer. James Craven is Vonnegut, his distinguished voice creating an air of calm and authority, unflappable. Lisa Jones has done fine work on costumes, and Mary Shabatura's lighting design beautifully guides the flow of action. Dark & Stormy Productions continues its undefeated record."

— Arthur Dorman, Talkin' Broadway

"What a cast! And So It Goes features the acting stylings of Sally Wingert (the family fixer, drinking but never feeling that ineffable Williamsesque "click"); James Craven (precise and resonant, brilliantly analytical); Robert Dorfman (louche and weirdly loose, gleefully self-obsessed); and Sara Marsh (troubled, given to barely-controlled hysteria, beautifully illogical). Brilliantly directed by Benjamin McGovern, these characters compel. Kudos to the design team, who give And So It Goes real oomph: Mary Shabatura (lights), Lisa Jones (costumes), Aaron Newman (sound), and Katie Phillips (properties)."

— John Olive, How Was The Show?

*Member, Actors’ Equity Association

+Member, Stage Directors’ and Choreographers’ Society