In the dimly lit theater, a lava lamp background casts an otherworldly glow as a bright spotlight illuminates a motorcycle center stage.
As the audience settles in, it’s as though we’ve been transported back in time to the psychedelic haze of 1968. The anticipation in the air is palpable, and the excitement is undeniable. We are about to embark on a remarkable journey through time, love, and laughter with none other than the incomparable Lin Shaye.
Lin Shaye, a name synonymous with the horror genre thanks to her roles in “Insidious” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and beloved by comedy fans for her appearances in “There’s Something About Mary” and “Kingpin,” takes center stage this fall in “Tripping on Life”, a one-woman show that cuts to the heart of humanity through the lens of young love.
Directed with finesse by Robert Galinsky, this show is a mesmerizing journey into the past, filled with laughter, love, and a touch of the surreal. Lin Shaye, both the writer and star of this production, transports us to a time when the world was groovy, love was free, and dreams were as good as real.
“Tripping on Life” unfolds through a series of vignettes that capture the essence of Lin and her husband Marshall’s love story. Their love, intense and profound, was impacted and changed forever, just two months after their wedding. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions, told through memories and anecdotes that span their time together.
The vignettes are a delightful mix of humor, vulnerability, and candidness. One moment they are explaining to highway police why they were speeding, tripping on uppers, downers, and snappers. The next, it’s the day of their wedding, justifying their unconventional relationship to Lin’s parents on their wedding day (with an officiant on acid, dressed as Liza Minelli from “Cabaret”). Each moment feels like a glimpse into a bygone era where societal norms were being redefined, and another layer in the tragic romance at the heart of this story.
What truly sets Lin Shaye’s performance apart is her remarkable emotional depth. Despite the events unfolding over half a century ago, her portrayal of these memories is so vivid that it feels as though they happened just yesterday. The audience is not merely watching a performance; they are stepping into Lin’s memories, feeling the highs and lows of love and loss right along with her. The immersive experience is further heightened by the ingenious use of audio and visual elements designed by Lee Landey, Joshua White, and Marian Saunders. These elements transport the audience into the heart of 1968, making us feel like active participants in Lin and Marshall’s journey.
At its core, “Tripping on Life” is a celebration of the richness of the human experience. Through Lin Shaye’s impeccable storytelling and compelling performance, we are reminded that every life is a tapestry of love, laughter, challenges, and triumphs. One-person shows like this one offer a unique opportunity to showcase the depth and complexity of humanity, and “Tripping on Life” does so with a bold and powerful resonance. As we leave the theater, we are not only touched by Lin Shaye’s incredible talent and vulnerability but also inspired to appreciate the depth of the human experience in all its forms. “Tripping on Life” is a journey that stays with you long after the curtain call.
“Tripping on Life” show runs through October 8, 2023, at Theatre Row, located at 410 West 42nd Street. Information can be found at trippingonlifetheplay.com. Running time is approximately 75 minutes.
