Caitlin McWethy and Phineas Clark Photo by Mikki Schaffner

That's a direct product of Marianne's academic focus at Cambridge University studying "theoretical early universe cosmology." She breezes through explanations of quantum mechanics, string theory, and relativity which totally bewilder Roland and most of us in the audience. But they lay the foundation for the concept of multiverses and infinite variation that is the way this show unfolds. From false starts to quick romance, from infidelity to happiness, from tentative feelings to profound commitment, from energy to weariness, from existential fear to tender reassurance–Constellations offers the many ways Marianne and Roland's future might unfold, together or separate, for better or worse. It's fruitfully mind-bending.

This is not dry, academic science. In fact, Payne has employed warmly passionate storytelling in tiny bites that circle and rewind, exploring the many paths Marianne and Roland might follow. The radiant McWethy glows with happiness then glowers with frustration as Marianne's words, her tools for understanding the context of her life, seemingly begin to evaporate. Clark's Roland is constantly playing catch-up, trying to find ways to connect as the circumstances revolve from one possibility to another. He's particularly amusing when he repeatedly tries to explain his feelings when he reads a page about the life cycles of bees as a prelude to a marriage proposal.

Scenic design by Melissa Bennett is a single concept: Randomly twisted gauzy, white, translucent fabric, perhaps cheesecloth, surrounds the two actors from floor to ceiling. The stage floor is also brilliantly white. Lighting effects by Marly Wooster cause this backdrop to glow with different emotional colors. Quick blackouts often feature swatches of music or sound effects (Trey Tatum created the show's momentary soundscape) that provide emotional punctuation between the show's countless brief scenes as the actors change positions and connections from one moment to the next.

Director Bridget Leak has her actors change positions and attitudes with each quick change, generally slight variations on the preceding scene, divided by a blackout. How McWethy and Clark swiftly shift gears, feelings, and reactions makes this production a showcase of skillful, adaptable acting.

The run for Constellations at Know is brief, just two weekends. But like the stories it tells and the eventualities it lays out, memory of this production will surely linger and resonate for a long time.

Constellations runs through February 22, 2026, at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, David C. Herriman Center for the Performing Arts, 1120 Jackson Street, in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please visit knowtheatre.com or call 513-300-5669.