“Heisenberg” Excellence in Important Theatre Presented by CityRep

Stacey Logan as Georgie Burns and Ben Hall as Alex Priest in “Heisenberg” Photo courtesy of Briquet Media

“Heisenberg” or “ħeisen·berg” for purists, is the new romance written by Simon Stephens, first appearing in June of 2015 to profound critical acclaim.  It seems to have no relationship to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle–The statement in ‘quantum mechanics, formulated by Werner Heisenberg, that it is impossible to measure two properties of a quantum object, such as its position and momentum (or energy and time), simultaneously with infinite precision.’ Although Simon Stephens does come from a family of mathematicians he is a very successful playwright but not a mathematician. That is professionally not a mathematician.

The production presented by Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre opening February 2 is a regional premiere, and is directed by Ruth Charnay.  The play stars Stacey Logan as Georgie Burns, a rather rambunctious American living in London, and living on the edge.  She has a chance encounter with an older gentlemen somewhat set in his ways.  Alongside Logan, “Heisenberg” also stars Ben Hall as the proper British tradesman, Alex Priest.  These two individuals meet and enter into a uniquely modern relationship surprisingly based on old-fashioned values if not traditions.  The story of their love is fascinating to watch. It is unusual, wonderful, and suddenly the Heisenberg principle makes a bizarre sort of sense on a cellular level.  The play is aptly named.  “ħeisen·berg” is an important play—and the regional premiere is an important event, not only because the play is excellent but because this production is outstanding. 

Stacey Logan as Georgie Burns
Photo Courtesy of Briquet Media

Throughout the play one can see little touches that Ruth Charnay contributes in direction. Charnay is a brilliant director giving this “Heisenberg” authenticity as well as providing her actors with a solid base to build believable and interesting characters.  Ben Hall does not appear on stage enough, although his talents in set design can be seen in virtually every major theatre in Oklahoma City.  He makes Alex Priest genuine, and reveals age perfectly—his Alex Priest is a youthful 75 in his attitude, even though he seems set in his ways.  Stacey Logan is a very interesting and somewhat wacky Georgie Burns and she portrays this woman with a beautiful finesse that makes every encounter with her more beautiful than before. 

Ben Hall as Alex Priest
Photo courtesy of Briquet Media

It is not easy to act in a play with only one other actor.  There is no ‘cover’ and no excuse, but, when the two people are Hall and Logan, cover is unnecessary and no excuses are needed—they stand together with precision unparalleled in science.

Dramaturg Anna Holloway provides interesting background about the playwright, Simon Stephens, which should be noted and many others contribute a great deal to this very successful premiere that is, unfortunately, fleeting.  “Heisenberg” plays at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City in the lower level, CitySpace only through February 11, 2018.  That is just two weekends total, so plans and reservations should be made quickly. This CityRep presentation is another feather in the cap for Founding Artistic Director, Donald Jordan and the entire CityRep team.

‘CityRep’s mission is to serve Oklahoma’s diverse artistic, educational and civic needs by providing dynamic professional theatre. 

We entertain, enlighten and inspire! 

Our vision is to be a vibrant regional theater that is vital to the cultural, educational and economic life of Oklahoma.’

That says it all.  “Heisenberg” is an equation that works.

For more information and tickets please visit www.cityrep.com or call 405-848-3761.