Crossing the Veil is a story of a family as they grapple with the death of their loved one. What are some of the things that even in your own family you wished you could have said or done? The exploration of what it looks like when families are grieving and how grief takes on the form of not just sorrow but openness to unite even if temporarily with their loved one beyond the veil.
What to Expect with Crossing the Veil
I am proud of myself. I don’t do well in any funeral situation. So if you struggle like me be prepared for their to be a body (not real) in a coffin as the scene is taking place in a funeral home. I wasn’t moved or bothered by it. I gasped upon entering because again I was taken by it. Come to the show about 20-30 minutes before it starts. There is a bar that you can enjoy a drink. Please have cash as it is cash only. There is an ATM located on the premises should you forget. You will have to walk a few flights of steps to gain entrance to the show. It makes for a great workout and therefore that drink you enjoy will make more sense. The show is 80 minutes and there is no intermission.
Inspiration of Crossing the Veil
This is based on a true experience of Artistic Director R.T. “Bob” Bowersox. He draws this from when his own father passed away his brother, Paul felt his dad’s presence while at the funeral home. It makes it so much more. I will share that when my Mother in Law passed away, there was a hand that touched me on my lower back. She used to do it very specifically. Her brother, Donnie was behind me and he wasn’t doing anything. He didn’t touch me at all. I felt as if she wanted me to know she was there and right after that like seconds after, my son yelled out he wanted his Mom-Mom. It was almost like she warned me he was about to have an emotional outburst. So when it comes to the spiritual world I do think it exists.
The Actors and Actresses
They did an amazing job of transforming the audience in a funeral mood. I felt like we were grieving our own loved one without being too overwhelmed situation. For me I tend to be very sensitive to things like this and I did fine. Each of the actors and actresses really did an outstanding job of bringing in real and raw emotions to this funeral. The conversations that took place was remnant of those who upon the death of a loved one needed closure. They wanted to grieve in their own way. Also it was interesting to note that the way that the living remembered the events of the deceased didn’t match. Think about that even in real life. If you could poll those we have lost would they remember life the way we do?
The cast that includes Mark Del Guzzo as Martin Hopewell, Heather Plank as Maggie Hopewell, Julia Rose Majerscak as Lisa Hopewell, Jared M. Calhoun as Ben Hopewell, Bob Weick as Father Patrick O’Shea, and Nancy Segal as Constance Rustin. Technical Director is Kathryn Wylde and Stage Manager is Melody G. Moore. Crossing the Veil is produced by Bowersox for TheatreXP and Nancy Segal for Fever Dream Productions.
It was a comforting in a way to think or believe that our loved ones too want to be able to explain, be with us, or even hear our hearts at their passing. Again this may be ery for some. I understand that. However I have to say this play was masterful and tactful in diving into this usually kept behind doors part of the grieving process. If you remember I was just at Theatre XP last production of Fresh Ink Shorts during Fringe Arts.
This production is happening now until November 26, 2022. You can get tickets. Theatre XP is showing from 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia PA 19103.
