by Macey Levin
The Chester Theatre Company is known for producing off-beat plays. They have topped themselves with the intellectually and emotionally challenging The Thin Place by Lucas Hnath.
Hilda (Tara Franklin) has an opening monologue in which she describes her relationship with her grandmother who has taught her how to communicate spiritually. Linda’s mother has great disdain for this and banishes the grandmother. After both women have passed away, Hilda contacts Linda (Diane Prusha,) a medium, who can put her into contact with her deceased relatives who are probably, as we say, “ in the thin place” that separates the two worlds. Linda’s philosophy that there is no death
seems to help ameliorate Hilda’s loss. Is Linda legitimate or is she merely using what she has learned about Hilda? The two women continue to develop a close relationship, but to what ends?.
Sylvia (Tabitha McKown), a friend of Linda’s, hosts a party for Linda and Hilda along with Linda’s cousin, Jerry (Jordan Bellow.) This gathering leads to confrontations and discussions of social behavior, not to mention elements of politics. Hilda is very reserved while the others reveal their character flaws amidst various accusations.
This is a mystery as it ventures in to what we do not really know. The four actors deliver finely wrought performances as they wend their way through the enigmatic landscape of Hnath’s writing. The audience, along with the characters, is caught in a nether land of curiosity and apprehension as to what is out there.
Diane Prusha as Linda in “The Thin Place” by Lucas Hnath, directed by Gabrielle Farrah, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
Tara Franklin as Hilda in “The Thin Place” by Lucas Hnath, directed by Gabrielle Farrah, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
Diane Prusha as Linda and Tara Franklin as Hilda in “The Thin Place” by Lucas Hnath, directed by Gabrielle Farrah, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
Tabitha McKown as Sylvia, Diane Prusha as Linda, Jordan Bellow as Jerry, and Tara Franklin as Hilda in “The Thin Place” by Lucas Hnath, directed by Gabrielle Farrah, at the Chester Theatre Company. 
Under the sure hand of director Gabrielle Farrah the production is tight and moves quickly through its varied conversations and arguments. The dark tone of the writing is held throughout the entire production offering the audience a cryptic experience. Her work is complemented by the atmospheric lighting of Lara Dubin and the sound design of James McNamara. Yichen Shou’s set is quite spare… two wing chairs and a side table.
The acting is multi-layered. Ms. Franklin’s Hilda is charming as she speaks and interacts directly with the audience and stand-offish in conversations at the contentious gathering. Linda is often highly animated as Ms. Prusha explains the other world in her clipped British accent while throwing off terse comments at the others. Ms. McKown and Mr. Bellows are often uptight as they contend with the two women.
The Thin Place has a compelling “Twilight Zone” quality that transports the audience into a different sphere as it raises more questions than answers.
The Thin Place by Lucas Hnath; Director: Gabrielle Farrah; Cast: Tara Franklin (Hilda) Diane Prusha (Linda) Tabitha McKown (Sylvia) Jordan Bellow (Jerry); Scenic Design: Yichen Zhou; Costume Design:Arthur Oliver; Lighting Design: Lara Dubin; Sound Design: James McNamara; Stage Manager: Meg Lydon; Assistant stage manager: Cori Strauss; Assistant to the Director: Maura Harty; Running Time: One hour, forty minutes, no intermission; June 20-30, 2024; For information call 413-354-7770 or visit
www.chestertheatre.org