Blackhorse Village Players' Rabbit Hole: Paradise Lost

The cast of Rabbit Hole consists of Jo-Anne Pulfer, Annette Derraugh, Nicolino De Francesco, Larry Hines and Chandra Mulder. How does a family cope with life-shattering tragedy? Through an outstanding performance of David Lindsay-Abaire's Rabbit Hole, the Blackhorse Village Players suggest an answer. We are offered answers that merit respect, just as an amazing cast merits respect for an excellent performance.

Answers are desperately required by Becca (Chandra Mulder), a young woman struggling with great loss. As the bereaved Becca, Mulder valiantly challenges a devastating crisis, using her acting ability with sensitivity, expression and strength. It is incredibly effective. Mulder does more than create a character. So powerful is her performance, a viewer can imagine some of their own life crises captured in Becca's portrayal.

Becca's husband Howie (Larry Hines) is equally affected by the family's loss. Make that effective, given Hines' portrayal of a man in turmoil, his life irrevocably changed in a split second. The same actor who authored The Trouble with Richard and had viewers laughing in The Love List now gives a touching performance as Howie, a man encased in sorrow, dependent on memories and videotape to keep himself together. When Becca accidentally ruins a video, Hines' outburst of anger dissolves into anguish with such startling intensity, the audience is stunned.

Not everyone reacts the same way to tragedy. There's Izzie (Jo-Anne Pulfer), a sister intent on moving on, even if it means knocking some sense into some people. As the outspoken, impulsive "are we having fun yet?" kid sister, Pulfer's every action excites reaction. She is a study in contrasts: "Izzy's not a moron," says Howie, "she acts like it sometimes."

And Pulfer acts very well.

Only a woman like Nat could mother both Izzie and Becca. Only a woman like Annette Derraugh could bring credibility to such a character. Derraugh evokes sympathy, in a feisty, critical manner. She is the messenger when "God's plan" is called into question, and though no one shoots the messenger, they definitely take potshots. Derraugh fields them with aplomb, her keen sensitivity, calling on past experience.

Newcomer Nicolino DeFrancesco offers a strong performance as Jason, a catalyst that triggers the deepest emotions. In scenes ridden with confusion, guilt and grief, Francesco shoulders pain, sympathy and a search for an understanding of loss. In the most touching scene, Becca hears his anguish and gains empathy and support.

As Jason tells it, a Rabbit Hole is defined as the balance between two parallel universes, coexisting but apart. Reality seems in conflict with itself, and even the set design demonstrates this. With highly ingenious construction, a youth's room appears center stage and transforms to a student's hang-out, then a shelter for memories, all hidden in the folds of a couple's home. Upheld by the skills of director Harry Lavigne and co-producers Cheryl Lavigne and Cheryl Phillips, the set is designed and constructed for success, and every contributing member, all noted on the program, deserves applause.

Find out for yourself the meaning, and the multitude of talents found in Rabbit Hole by calling (905) 880- 5002 for tickets. Performances will continue until April 11.