For the time of your life, see 'Cloud Tectonics'

REVIEW

When I first saw "Cloud Tectonics" in March of 2007, and after over a half century involvement with all things theatrical, I said that it was the best production I had ever seen.

I still think so.

Now performing on the second floor of Circular Congregational Church's Lance Hall, PURE Theatre has slowly but steadily built a loyal audience, eminently well-deserved. We have followed them, eagerly from East Bay Street's Cigar Factory to fellowship halls to North Chuck's Noisette, never ceasing to believe excellence will triumph.

Tuesday night, PURE co-founders Sharon Graci and Rodney Lee Rogers reprised their roles as Celestina del Sol and Anibal de la Luna. That Graci and Rogers are married to each other adds an indefinable but identifiable dimension to this drama by Jose Rivera, already existing in at least four dimensions. Maybe five, or as infinite a number as you like.

The story line seems fantastic, but under the direction of May Adrales, the absolute authenticity these actors bring to their roles makes the whole experience seem realer than real.

Graci has so captured the mystery, the ethereality in her graceful, ballet-like movement, in her Spanish-flavored accent, in her dream-like nuance of voice and look, that she succeeds in convincing us that she is a living miracle.

Anibal is a New Yorker living in Los Angeles (of course, the City of Angels) who meets Celestina casually, as randomly as a collision of stars.

Into this place not listed in the world's almanacs comes Anibal's little brother, Nelson. David Mandel brings a powerful dose of worldliness to the piece as well as to the character, as both an achingly needy young man and an equally needy returning war hero.

With rooms chalked in and labeled on the floor in this spare space, lit effectively, with sublime guitar accompaniment by Mike Moran almost a character in itself, the suspension of disbelief reigns.

You have four more opportunities to experience the time of your life.