reviewvancouver: Above The Hospital

Set above an animal hospital on the edges of the east side of Vancouver, the play opens with the two main characters, Lauren, played by Mira Maschmeyer and Cameron, played by Tristan Smith returning to their apartment after dining out. The catch- me- if- you- can sexual romp on their return home devolves into a conversation concerning the difficulties in following dreams of a theatre career in the case of Lauren and a music career by Cameron. Four years into their relationship, neither one of them is satisfied with each other or their career path.

Targeted to a young, twenty something audience, Above the Hospital aspires to deal with issues of housing affordability, employment, difficulties surrounding breaking into a career and the search for individual fulfillment. Four other characters are added to the mix to flesh out the dialogue around these problems. Bo Han (Zack Currie), Abbey (Nadya Debogorski, Michael (Aaron Paul Stewart) and Natasha (Emma Young) bring a naïve cockiness to the ongoing dialogue on stage that is meant to offer insight into the concerns facing millennials. A buildup of controlled tension would enhance these scenes.

The play has two acts, the second act only 20 minutes in length and is set several years after the first act. Above the Hospital may have more impact as a one act play. The second act seemed a superfluous addition.

Above the Hospital written and directed by Beau Han Bridge is staged at the Red Gate Revue Stage at Granville Island until January 21, 2018.