It takes an actor of Karen MacDonald’s caliber to add complexity and depth to an often insufferable protagonist. MacDonald’s performance is filled with such warmth, humor, and tenderness that you cannot help but sympathize with Della’s internal struggle.

Steve Shack’s lighting design plays with the emotional effects of light and dark, spreading shadows of branches and staircases and cell bars throughout the space, emphasizing the mystery and suspense at the core of the play.

With the help of librettist Greg Pierce, Spears’ intuitive storytelling continues with Fuller’s Act II solo, “Our Very Own Home,” which starts with a single, repeated melody on the piano, emphasizing Fuller’s new lonely state, having cast off his friends and betrayed the man he loves.

Igor Golyak’s inventive staging leaves a lot of room for the actors to play. Watching this ensemble use the small studio space is like watching a group of kids on a playground.

Boston University student Nathan Malin, gives a commanding, stand-out performance as Charlie who spends the bulk of the play grappling with questions about privilege, fairness, fact versus opinion, and who “deserves” what and why. 

Dazzling audiences with their powerhouse vocals are Lovely Hoffman as Sister Rosetta and Pier Lamia Porter as Marie. Hoffman’s energy is infectious, bringing a natural vitality to the bigger-than-life character of Sister Rosetta, and Hoffman’s singing is positively scintillating.

Jeff Adelberg’s expressive lighting design created an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue, skillfully enhancing Jon Savage’s set design which suggested a world in disarray and disrepair.