To See or Not to See: Cal in Camo

In a collaboration between Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and Colt Coeur, Cal in Camo is William Francis Hoffman’s deeply disturbed but moving drama about love, loss, and human connections. The play raises questions about whether our wounds from the past stunt our ability to create authentic relationships in the future.

Cal is a young, new mother who’s struggling with her maternal duties and postpartum depression. She’s unable to produce milk for her baby and can’t understand why she doesn’t love her husband or child. Her spouse, Tim, is a beer salesman who is having difficulties providing for his family. And, the arrival of Cal’s brother, Flynt, only further aggravates their fragile state. But, he arrives with his own baggage—grieving from the loss of his wife who was swept away by a flood.

Under the direction of Adrienne Campbell-Holt, Cal in Camo is a dark and intellectual work that will impact you long after the actors take their final bows. Audiences will undoubtedly be sitting at the edge of their seats as they watch the story unfold. William Francis Hoffman’s writing is poetic and relies heavily on metaphors and symbolism. He does a superb job creating these characters. And, the actors are brilliant.

Katya Campbell is a stand-out. She makes you feel every ounce of the emotional struggle her character is facing. And, she’s supported by David Harbour, who has incredible stage presence. He’s hard to miss but with a performance like this why would you want to? But, the breakout performance is delivered by Paul Wesley. It’s heartfelt and vulnerable. We can only hope he does more theatrical plays or musicals in between filming.

Cal in Camo is currently playing at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater through June 18th. Purchase tickets here.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg