At 38, Max is in love with a circus performer, while Diana has walked down the aisle a couple of times. Throughout the play in flashbacks, we get little tidbits of their lives and secrets that ooze out, ingredients that mold them into the characters they become.
This non-linear storyline is intriguing but often leads to confusion. A couple ping back-and-forth years is creative, but too much and we lose track of the storyline and character development.
What works is the performance by Apostol and Tagatac, who performed together in the CapStage production of “Viet Gong.” Both actors capture their characters’ quirks, confusions, strengths and weaknesses.
The set includes a background wall of shelves – half with liquor bottles for bar scenes and the other half holding props used by the characters, such as photos, books, and art supplies.
While there is confusion in the play, there are also moments when we see how people develop over time, and how relationships with friends develop over a lifetime, and how things blow up in the meantime.
The play runs 90 minutes with no intermission.
“The Two Kids That Blow Sh*t Up” plays at Capital Stage through July 26; Wednesdays to Fridays, 7 p.m., Saturdays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays 2 p.m. 2215 J St.