by Macey Levin
Bridge Street Theatre’s SoloFest presented its third of four one-woman plays March 15 through 17. “The Great Divide,” written and performed by Amy Crossman, is a comic, and heartbreaking tour de force.
As a nineteen-year-old she goes to a New Year’s Eve party where she knows only Eli, the host; everyone else is a stranger. As months go by they develop a relationship that encompasses their lives. When they are apart they phone or text several times daily. Both are struggling non-union actors in Manhattan. After several years of being together, Eli enrolls at Brown University in Providence to pursue a master’s degree in acting. This leads to a breakup that sends Amy into an emotional whirlwind of frustration and doubt.
The changes she experiences as she approaches thirty create a different life philosophy. That is the great divide! She changes from being a simpering girl/woman to a determined human being who will make her own rules for her life. She doesn’t need an Eli or a Chad or any other man to define who Amy is. She learns that today is here and tomorrow has yet to come. Her adventure is a compelling and piercing performance.
Amy Crossman in “The Great Divide” directed by Scott Ebersold, performed at Bridge Street Theatre as part of their SoloFest 2024. 
Amy Crossman in “The Great Divide” directed by Scott Ebersold, performed at Bridge Street Theatre as part of their SoloFest 2024. 
Amy Crossman in “The Great Divide” directed by Scott Ebersold, performed at Bridge Street Theatre as part of their SoloFest 2024. Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. 
Amy Crossman in “The Great Divide” directed by Scott Ebersold, performed at Bridge Street Theatre as part of their SoloFest 2024. 
Amy Crossman in “The Great Divide” directed by Scott Ebersold, performed at Bridge Street Theatre as part of their SoloFest 2024. 
Ms. Crossman is a very engaging actress. Her energy pours across the stage drawing the audience into her journey. Her line delivery is sharp and insightful as she evolves into a complete and determined human being. Many of the laugh lines are uproarious while the more emotional scenes are very touching. But it is in the latter part of the play when she recognizes what has been wrong with her life and fosters the determination to grow. It is a performance to be relished.
She is supported by the clean direction of Scott Ebersold. He slowly builds the pace of the play through its emotional variations so that the audience becomes entranced by Crossman’s story. The staging is clever using basic props, including two chairs that serve multiple purposes, and a toilet. The pantomime of riding New York’s subway is inventive.
Brynne Oster-Bainnson’s costumes are simple yet depict the phases of Crossman’s life. Sam Kaseta’s sound design enhances the emotional tenor of each scene.
This is a play that is a joy to watch and to feel.
The Great Divide: Written and Performed by Amy Crossman; Director: Scott Ebersold; Costume Design: Brynne Oster-Bainnson; Sound Design: Sam Kaseta; Dramaturge: Phoebe Brooks; Stage Manager: Melony Reyes; Production Stage Manager: Hannarose Manning; Running time: 80 minutes, no intermission. Bridge Street Theatre, 44 W Bridge St, Catskill, NY 12414. Phone: (518) 943-3894
SOLOFEST 2024:
Longing Lasts Longer
2024 SoloFest 4 March 22 – 24 LONGING LASTS LONGER Created and performed by Penny Arcade. Direction and design by Steve Zehentner Presented in collaboration with White Horse Theater Company. Kick ass comedy with guts! Longing Lasts Longer is a unique blend of stand-up comedy and memoir set in a riveting rock and roll soundscape.