“R. Buckminster Fuller: The History (and Mystery) of the Universe” by D.W. Jacobs, the current offering from Chester Theatre Company, is a one-person play and is set up to resemble one of the architect, inventor and futurist’s famed and frequent lectures. In actor Michael Preston’s hands, Bucky — as Fuller was known to friends and confidantes — is charming and lively, remaining productive and optimistic about humanity’s plight despite many personal hardships and professional setbacks. The ease and familiarity with which Preston delivered the material enchanted the audience and did much to make a larger-than-life character into someone both relatable and approachable.
Barbara Karger’s direction seemed to change course in the second act, and held less movement and whimsy for Preston, who spent an overlong period of time standing at a podium, an accurate depiction of a lecture but not very interesting for a theater audience to watch. Tim Latta’s set was part lecture hall, part workroom/office and, while intricate and very effective, included several large and eye-catching pieces that were not used as part of the story. Raphael Hendrick-Baker’s sound design and Lara Dubin’s lighting worked in concert to seamlessly shift the mood from realistic to fanciful and back again.
“R. Buckminster Fuller: The History (and Mystery) of the Universe” runs through Sunday, June 28.
Written by D.W. Jacobs. Director: Barbara Karger. Cast: Michael Preston. Scenic design: Tim Latta. Costume design: Elinor “Brit” Watts. Lighting Design: Lara Dubin. Sound design & original composition: Raphael Hendrick-Baker. Rehearsal stage manager: Miriam Hyfler. Stage manager: Jeff Meyers.