Edward Montoya, Suzanne O'Donnell, and Shannon Michael Wamser Photo by Meredith Longo

The Lifespan of a Fact is based on the book by John D'Agata and Jim Fingal, which was turned into a play that premiered on Broadway in 2018. The premise is rather simple: an editor requests that an intern fact check an essay by an esteemed writer that is soon to be published. From the germ of this story, a whole emotional, complex, and devastating world is created onstage. And it is not one that is easy to shake.

The three roles in the play are about equal, with stellar performances right across the board. Matt Pfeiffer's direction is razor sharp, and he has staged this show in a way that feels like being on a runaway train, with all the apparent danger of that term in full blast. The idea of what is a fact is scrutinized to the point where one really begins to question what is indeed true and what isn't. The Lifespan of a Fact is a riveting play and offers no easy answers. I highly recommend catching the production at Playhouse on Park before the end of the run.

On Patti Panyakaew's versatile and attractive set, the play opens with an editor, Emily Penrose (the excellent Suzanne O'Donnell), trying to find someone to fact check an essay in depth. Intern Jim Fingal, portrayed by the fantastic Edward Montoya, is ultimately given this assignment right before the weekend, with the deadline being first thing Monday morning.

Without giving away too much, all hell breaks loose and the intern eventually contacts the writer of the essay, John D'Agata (splendidly portrayed by the appropriately stern Shannon Michael Wamser) because there are several questions about the facts in the story and their validity. This ninety minute play, with no intermission, eventually reaches the point where all three characters are seated on D'Agata's couch trying to come to a consensus before the essay is to be published Monday morning.

What keeps this show so compact and incisive is the high level of acting and the tightness of the direction. It would be pointless to try to name which performer is the standout since the trio in the play works as a true ensemble. It is rare to see such a closeknit relationship between the characters, with every moment and every line potentially poised to start an earthquake. To sum it up, O'Donnell, Montoya, and Wamser are all brilliant in their respective roles.

The costumes designed by K. T. Farmer are completely appropriate and help to mold each character. Likewise, Johann Fitzpatrick's lighting design is stellar and only adds to the tension in the play. The vice-like grip of this production is unrelenting, though it should be stated that The Lifespan of a Fact is also extremely entertaining and there is definitely humor in the show.

The Lifespan of a Fact at Playhouse in Park is bound to leave you with question marks coming out of your eyes. To say that this production will ignite long conversations is truly an understatement and, when an audience member is leaving the show, there is a writing board in the theatre's lobby which asks a viewer to comment whether the essay in the play should be changed and even whether it should be published. Each audience member will have to come to their own conclusion. What is unquestionable is that The Lifespan of a Fact at Playhouse on Park is truly one of the definite highlights of the current Connecticut theatre season.

The Lifespan of a Fact runs through May 3, 2026, at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd, West Hartford CT. For tickets and information, please visit www.playhouseonpark.org.