Wonder of the World (play)
Wonder of the World is a comedic play written by David Lindsay-Abaire. The play premiered in 2000 at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.
Synopsis:
The play follows Cass, a woman who discovers a disturbing secret about her husband, Kip. As a result, she leaves him and embarks on a chaotic and often absurd journey to Niagara Falls to fulfill a lifelong dream: going over the falls in a barrel. Along the way, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a melancholic suicidal alcoholic named Lois, and Captain Mike, a lonely tour boat captain. Wonder of the World explores themes of marriage, identity, personal fulfillment, and the search for meaning in the face of unexpected life events.
Characters:
- Cass: The protagonist, a woman who leaves her husband after a shocking discovery.
- Kip: Cass's husband, revealed to have a disturbing secret.
- Lois: A suicidal alcoholic whom Cass befriends. She has visited Niagara Falls eight times, attempting to take her own life.
- Captain Mike: A Niagara Falls tour boat captain.
- Karla/Barbara: A therapist with unorthodox methods.
- Various minor roles: Often played by the same actors, these roles contribute to the play's comedic and eccentric atmosphere.
Themes:
- Marriage and Relationships: The play examines the complexities and unexpected challenges within marital relationships.
- Identity and Self-Discovery: Cass's journey is a quest for self-discovery as she redefines her identity outside of her marriage.
- The Absurdity of Life: The play employs humor and exaggeration to highlight the often-unpredictable and nonsensical nature of life.
- Dreams and Fulfillment: Cass's lifelong dream of going over Niagara Falls in a barrel represents the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
Critical Reception:
Wonder of the World is often praised for its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and farcical humor. However, some critics have noted that the play's humor can occasionally overshadow its deeper themes. The play is frequently produced by regional and amateur theater companies.