IDLEWILD

High school seniors Nell and Fay come to a crossroads in their intense friendship while attending a Quaker school in New York City in this character-driven production. Kristen DiMercurio adeptly shifts her tone as she moves between Nell's and Fay's viewpoints as the narrative weaves between the 2002-2003 school year and the present day 15 years later. DiMercurio's performance--imbued with layers of teenage passion and angst--transports listeners back to the political and social instability engulfing New York City after 9/11. The dual perspectives merge for "F&N'' chapters, offering listeners a window on the girls' bond and how they ultimately grow apart. DiMercurio presents the friends' irreverent commentary on the world, and their own conflicted private reflections, with an attuned ear for their story. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]