An Antidote for Lonely Nights At Home with ‘Lonely Hearts 4’ (Review)
Birch House Immersive takes their yearly Valentine’s celebration online
Mackenzie Rigby needs his tuxedo pressed. There’s just one tiny problem. He can’t exactly remember where he usually goes to get it pressed. And, in fact, the only people who might know are two regulars — Beatrix and Giles — at his currently closed bar — Rigby’s, of course — whom he hasn’t seen in almost a year due to the pandemic.
And oddly, no one else seems to know how to get in touch with them through telephone or email or other means.
This is where you come in. Won’t you lend a hand? You know… while we’re all isolated at home?
Birch House Immersive usually throws a Valentine’s Day party every year where they build upon the same universe of characters and all of the ever-shifting and changing relationships between them, as well as exploring the nature of love and romance. But, of course, things are a little different this year. The 2021 version of Lonely Hearts is essentially a “one-on-one” encounter train on Zoom (with detours into phone and text) as each character, starting with Rigby (Dean Corrin), funnels you to the next one, all in the search for the missing Beatrix Von Hopper (Lauren N. Fields) and Giles Henry (Janie Killips). And who are they exactly? Just the handsome and stylish couple who everybody knows from Rigby’s, who also strangely don’t seem to have a cell phone even in this day and age, and yet somehow rely upon a delivery person (Lara, played by Karissa Kosman) to courier them their meals.
But, hey, if you’re reliably found at a bar where everybody knows your name, is there a point to even needing to text someone ahead of time? They’re probably belly-up to the bar at this very moment, regaling everyone with a witty tale, cold glass of gin in hand, and, well, you could sure use a drink, too.
While it is often difficult to lean into the pandemic as an element of a story, Birch House Immersive threads the needle successfully; there’s a kindness and safeness to all the encounters with various denizens of the Lonely Hearts world. The characters make themselves vulnerable and easy to connect with, while balancing between opportunities for the participant to share their own experience as to what life in lockdown has been like.
The performers all feel relatable, and more importantly, their problems feel relatable, whether it’s Julia’s (Christina Renee Jones) struggle to find physical and mental alone-time from her partner in a small apartment, Claudia’s (Sharaina Turnage) dilemma around accepting a catering gig for a big party at a time when we’ve all been asked not to gather, or even the psychic energy that goes into making your appearance “presentable” with the requisite clothing and makeup, only to remain isolated in one’s home, sitting on one’s couch, seeing the same members of your household, day in and day out.
I would also be remiss in not mentioning the lovely package that’s sent out as part of the Lonely Hearts premium ticket experience with strict instructions not to open it until showtime. Within my box, I found not only an item personalized with my name, but a few other nice touches including but not limited to: a Twinkie from our courier friend Lara; a tea light and matches from Julia who sought solace inside her closet; pre-addressed and stamped postcard intended for Claudia; as well as a delightful picture of Mackenzie, Beatrix, and Giles (with a secret to be uncovered during the performance).
Like any well-designed immersive theatre show, the scenes feel like a dance between two partners who are equals, even if one person (that would be me) doesn’t know all the steps. Each performer in Lonely Hearts is well adept at moving the conversation forward as well; I’m guessing a more reticent participant than I would still feel comfortable engaging with the characters and story. And as someone who hasn’t had the pleasure of attending this yearly soirée before, I can only imagine how much more effective the cast can be in person.
And, so, here’s to next year’s Valentine’s Day party at Rigby’s. Even if I won’t be able to attend in person, I’ll be there in spirit, laughing at one of Beatrix’s jokes and swooning at one of Giles’ songs. So do pour yourself a gin or a bourbon, on me. And let’s toast to all the lonely hearts out there.
May we all be drinking together again, soon.
Cheers.
Lonely Hearts 4 has concluded.
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