New Play ‘Struck’ Explores Questions about Life and Issues from the Past

The New Jersey Repertory Company introduced the play, Struck, on June 30th. Written by Sandy Rustin, Struck is enjoying its World Premiere at the Long Branch theater which continues to produce new, high quality works, providing an entertaining visit to the theater. The play, which is directed by Don Stephenson, has a plot based on actual events that happened to the playwright. It also brings in a topic that was publicized recently in the media about returning artifacts stolen from Jews by the Nazis during World War II.

The events experienced by the playwright took place over a period of several months. Ms. Rustin was struck while in a car several times. It got her thinking about whether the universe wanted her to “wake up and pay attention to something” (quote from an interview in NJJN). The question became does the universe have forces at work or is it just random cells bumping into each other? This question becomes the basis of the action that takes place in Struck when Vera Resnick gets hit by a bicycle on the streets of New York City. She has some bad bruises on her legs and her back is out of alignment, but other than that, she survives very well. So well that she decides to call the man who was riding the bike that hit her. The young man, James, is relieved to hear that she is doing fairly well. He pays her a visit and through several discussions, Vera and James discover they are related. Or so it seems.

The focus of the play then moves from the accident to the topic of artifacts stolen from the Jews by the Nazis. However, to tell how and why that occurs would be exposing too much before seeing the play. Suffice it say that the unfolding of that part of the plot is very well written, very well performed, and a bit startling as it unfolds.

The storyline alone is a good reason to go to see Struck. Add to that a cast that is marvelous playing their roles and you have the makings of a show that is destined to make a name for itself. Susan Maris portrays Vera as a very open minded soul who is willing to get to know people and add them to her life. Maris does a fine job showing how the injuries from the accident have affected her body but not her zest for life which is the key to her happiness. Adam Bradley plays Vera’s husband, Nate. He is centered, balanced, and more than willing to do whatever he needs to do to make his wife feel comfortable and safe in their world. He is a devoted husband and his portrayal shows an inner strength of the character that probably helps Vera to be able to do some of the things she does.

The role of Vicky, the neighbor from down the hall, is played by Jenny Bacon. Ms. Bacon has a wonderful sense of comedy and good timing that allows the Vicky character to inject some much needed humor at times. Her work with metaphysics fits in well with the concept of why accidents occur and then she shifts her psychic leanings to focus more on Vera. Special applause go out to Ben Puvalowski whose portrayal of the bicyclist, James, is very convincing. He moves his portrayal of James, a quiet, concerned young man who feels badly about hitting Vera into an entirely different character right before your eyes. This character is not pretty or nice. But he pulls it off well. There is also another character, Bertrand, played by Matthew Shepard, who doesn’t come into the action until towards the end of the play. His role provides a marvelous way to tie up loose ends and show the hope for the future for Vera and Nate.

Struck will play at New Jersey Repertory Company theater at 179 Broadway in Long Branch through July 31, 2016. Tickets are available www.njrep.org or by calling 732-229-3166.