Stage Capsules

Also Reviewed
The Insect Play Reviewed in this issue.

Proof David Auburn's drama about the daughter of a famed mathematician dealing with the aftermath of her father's death gets a strangely low-key production from director Wayne Loui and Insight Theatre Company. Worn out emotionally and physically from caring for the mentally ill Robert (John Contini), Catherine (Colleen Caul) must fend off pushy grad student Hal (Matt Linhardt), who wants to search Robert's papers for anything mathematically valuable, and also deal with her pushy older sister, Claire (Erin Kelley), who wants Catherine to move to New York and maybe seek psychological treatment. Caul has a wiry, angular energy as she veers from depressed to manic and back, and Contini crafts a steady performance that gives way to the sudden realization that he is completely and undeniably disturbed, but most of the play seems to misfire. The showdown between Claire and Catherine fizzles instead of exploding, Catherine and Hal never quite spark; in short, the timing seems ragged rather than mathematically precise. Through October 10 at the Heagney Theatre, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. Tickets are $15 to $25. Call 314-239-9040 or visit www.insighttheatrecompany.com.  — Paul Friswold