The Cast Photo by Andrew Greto

No one lives on remote Amchitka Island, which is part of the Aleutian chain. During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Force utilized it. The military constructed buildings, made roadways, and created three airstrips. In the 18960s, the Atomic Energy Commission conducted three major underground nuclear tests which culminated with a prodigious Cannikin detonation. After that occurred in 1971, much controversy ensued since that sort of nuclear testing could possibly result in earthquakes or tsunamis. The AEC left two years later, but people worried that radioactive materials might permeate either land or sea. Playwright St. Germain situates three scientists at a monitoring station on that volcanic island in southwest Alaska during the present day.

Connie (Hero Marguerite) is a congenial young woman who communicates with her father from the island and who has a partner back home. Nate (Will Maizel) is a smart man who does not seem to have figured out exactly what he wants out of life or who he really is. He means well yet is awkward. Diana (Kelly Lester) is somewhat older than the other two and she is both cerebral and a theorizer. Suddenly, a frightening power surge occurs and we learn that an asteroid is out there (beyond their locale). The level of danger is not clear but just what is going on? Soon, Nate speculates about a government cover-up. Shortly before intermission, St. Germain weaves in a subplot as Connie reveals that she might be pregnant. Soon, the stage grows dark, the first portion of the show is over, and questions abound. Intensity and intimidation mark the final forty-five minutes of performance, but adding further details would be a spoiler.

Chester Theatre bills this presentation as a "psychological thriller." True enough. It penetrates as it examines individuals' reactions to one another during a threatening time. This much you should now, however abstract it may be: Diana is not who she seemed to be during the first component of this play.

Mark St. Germain oftentimes explores far beyond the obvious through his playwriting. Works such as Freud's Last Session and Best of Enemies were masterful in that regard. Who knows what motivated him to explore this particular island. He does so acutely and provides his characters, these scientists, with immediately engaging dialogue. Brian Prather's set design is such that the three principals, while speaking with one another, also talk and share with the audience. Director Boyd takes an already edgy predicament (a marginal, distant spot for scientists) and increases urgency through St. Germain's back-and-forth technique.

Hero Marguerite, who plays Connie, was in A Hundred Words for Snow at both Chester Theatre and Williamstown '62 Center. She was also a cast member at Chester in other productions and appeared in A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage. Will Maizel (Nate) makes his Chester Theatre debut and he carries with him many theatre and film credits. He recently appeared in New York in A House Divided. Kelly Lester, who embodies the pivotal Diana, appeared as Ruth in the Off-Broadway revival of Milk and Honey. A year ago, she played Nancy Pelosi (N) when Barrington Stage produced N/A.

Amchitka involves observers at the get-go and becomes a telling theatre experience. St. Germain, a deft writer, provides necessary background and then drops a figurative dialogue hook just before the initial act concludes. He will then challenge the audience to not only keep up with accelerating gravity of forthcoming moments but also solve a puzzling and possibly grave situation. That's certainly a lot to consider and this show provides for a consuming hour and a half performance.

Amchitka runs through August 8, 2026, at Chester Theatre, 15 Middlefield Rd., Chester MA. For tickets and information, please call 413-354-7771 or visit chestertheatre.org.