In Rebecca Gilman’s 2022 play “Swing State,” a grief-stricken widow mourns the loss of the insect, plant and animal species that once thrived on her 48 acres of grassland in the American heartland.
But the declining population of sparrows, seeds, butterflies and wildflowers that Peg has long treasured are just part of the increasingly bleak situation in her rural Wisconsin community.
Herbicides are poisoning the groundwater, young people are overdosing on fentanyl-laced drugs, good jobs are scarce and Peg’s late husband could’ve survived his heart attack if he’d had better healthcare.
The dark 95-minute play made its San Diego premiere over the weekend at OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista.
Staged by director James P. Darvas on an elaborately detailed farmhouse set designed by Patrick Mason, “Swing State” is a poignant human drama about life in hard times.
American politics are never discussed in the play (except for one brief mention of Donald Trump’s name). But “Swing State” is a story about the decline of the American dream and this nation’s poor stewardship of its natural resources.
Still, it’s not a play without hope.
Lester Isariuz as Ryan, left, and Jenna Renee Pekny as Dani in OnStage Playhouse’s “Swing State.” (Salomon Maya)
Peg’s neighbor Ryan, a troubled young man recently released from jail, has become like a surrogate son to the childless Peg. He visits her often to check in and help her manage her farm work. In return, she cooks for him and gently talks him through his periodic panic attacks.
When Peg starts talking to Ryan about writing her will and giving away her land, he worries that she may be struggling from depression. Then, when a box of farm tools and and an old rifle go missing from Peg’s property, local law enforcement gets involved and Ryan becomes the chief suspect.
Jennifer Scibetta gives an authentic, understated performance as Peg, and her relaxed demeanor contrasts well with Lester Isariuz’s manic, always-in-motion performance as Ryan.
Jenna Renee Pekny give a warm and sweet performance as Dani, a well-meaning young woman who finds new purpose as the new deputy in the town’s sheriff’s department.
DeNae Steele plays Kris, the hair trigger-tempered sheriff, whose son overdosed on pills she believes Ryan supplied. Steele brings fiery energy to the play, but her excessively loud and comic delivery doesn’t match the tone of the other actors onstage.
Jaden Guerrero designed sound, Ginger Chody designed lighting and Brad Dubois designed costumes.
“Swing State” includes an act of violence, but they play doesn’t end the way you might expect. Instead, there’s a denouement of clarity, community, healing and hope.
‘Swing State’
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 5 p.m. Sundays. Through Feb. 1
Where: OnStage Playhouse, 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista
Tickets: $15-$25
Phone: 619-422-7787
Online: onstageplayhouse.org