The trestle at pope lick creeks

High atop a railroad trestle that spans a bone dry creek, two teenagers plan to race across the bridge against an oncoming locomotive. At first their scheme adds excitement to life in a small factory town during the Great Depression, then sensual experience awakens dangerous passions in an era of stifled ambitions. With theatrical flourish and lyrical finesse, Naomi Wallace delves into a world where people struggle to change lives that bear down upon them. So we find Dalton and Pace, who becomes his girlfriend despite his repeated insistence that she is not pretty, making plans to test themselves by trying to outrun the train on a trestle a hundred feet above a dry creek bed. Another boy from their town tried it recently and died … By the end, the play, like that train, has built up a full head of steam and we feel its power. Despite its depth of symbolism and clear political message, the play is neither stuffy nor strident.

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But these sensory assaults also serve another salutary function: keeping the audience awake. An arresting performance by Michael Pitt, a young stage newcomer, anchors the play in some affecting emotional territory, at least in the early scenes. Pitt plays Dalton, an open-faced, strapping lad whose irrepressible energies keep company with a naturally sensitive nature.

Sign in. Try to guess what movie inspired Jexi star Alexandra Shipp 's first alcoholic drink, or what cartoon character would be her BFF. Watch now. Davis Harwell is a meticulous man whose life has grown comfortably dull.