Last week, Grand Valley State University’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance put on “Five Mile Lake,” a play exploring themes of ambition, familial relationships and the weight of past choices.
The performance follows five people in the midst of confronting their pasts so they can move forward with their futures. Between struggling relationships, standstill careers and familial responsibility, they have to reflect on their previous choices — and their impacts — so they can change for the better.
The main plot revolves around the tense relationship between two brothers. Rufus, who returns from New York City with a girlfriend, seems like the pinnacle of success. Meanwhile, Jamie, who never left the town they grew up in, is still working in a small bakery, pining after his coworker, and spending his time and money fixing up the family’s cabin on the lake.
“‘Five Mile Lake’ is about people desiring connection, but not quite getting there,” said AJ Carter, who plays the role of Jamie. “Every character is drawn to the lake for a reason, with a specific goal in mind, and none of them get it. (It’s) such a beautifully tragic story.”
Elijah LaBurn, assistant director and understudy, takes a more abstract approach.
“Ultimately, the play is about grief (and) what it looks like to move on,” said LaBurn. “It’s about how we can find solace, comfort and joy from the people around us.”
As head of wardrobe Syd Sturgis describes, the plotlines between characters, including the two brothers, are connected by a theme of stagnation.
“All of (them) are stuck in some way,” said Sturgis. “Some are stuck in their hometown, others in relationships and some in their own head.”
The show deals with heavy topics, such as depression and grief. As moving as it is to watch from the audience, there’s another layer of emotions for those portraying the characters.
“As an artist, you have to be connected to your art,” said Carter. “We use exercises to establish where our character is in the moment emotionally and physically, and then we work to embody that.”
The actors’ efforts, especially in such a dialogue-heavy play, were noticed by the audience and production crew alike.
“This is a play that is carried by dialogue, and the scenes take place over a short period of time,” said LaBurn. “It requires a good actor to keep the audience engaged, and these guys have worked really hard.”
Between the weight of portraying sensitive subjects and the immense task of putting on a theatrical show, the cast and production team needed a way to relieve the weight of the play. For Sturgis, this meant the cast party after the final night of production.
“To me, the most memorable part of this show (and honestly any show) is the cast party,” said Sturgis. “Everyone is given a chance to unwind and celebrate all the hard work they’ve put into the production.”
Despite the confines of the stage, the stories of the characters expand far beyond the rooms of the Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre, offering the audience the chance to make positive changes in their own lives.
“These characters each view their own problems as the worst thing in the world, but they don’t do anything about it,” said Carter. “Take the next step.”
LaBurn mirrors the optimistic sentiment, despite the heaviness of the play.
“Whether you have left your childhood town or stayed there, there are connections to be made with those around you,” said LaBurn. Although your life might not look the way you want it to, you can find joy where you are at this place and time.”
