Bent Through The Glass

Bent Through the Glass is an adventurous production following the story of a father who loses his daughter in a heartbreaking and unbelievable way. Alex Koltchak’s emotional depth forced the audience to relive his internal struggles and I found myself tearing up during the performance. Directed by Michael Sladek, this play serves as a powerful statement on mental illness that leaves a lasting impression.

This production deserves a bigger stage and needs to be seen by a wider audience. While I felt some areas could have been tightened—specifically the ending, which may have carried even more weight if it concluded sooner— I found the burden that Koltchak was left with remained palpable.

The most remarkable aspect of the play was its ability to make the audience root for a happy ending that felt out of reach. I left with a profound lesson on grief and the necessity of growing through pain. Once I realized that the direction intended for us to feel as if we were inside someone’s head, the experience became an artist's dream come true.

This show captures the very reason theater exists: to allow people to experience the full spectrum of life. It covers everything from the happiest moments to the messy parts we often want to avoid. While tragedies exist in reality, these stories are best told by those who truly master their craft.

The future is bright for Koltchak. His performance was a masterclass in both acting and storytelling. Furthermore, the lighting by Paul Jonathan Davis was stellar. The way the light shifted and reflected off the gold brought the production's most special moments to life.

Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone who values theatrical depth and perspectives on the parts of life we usually try to hide. Life is 360 degrees, and "Bent Through the Glass" is a powerful reconnection to the circle of life as witnessed through a father’s eyes.