Pure Theatre goes 'Up' to new emotional heights in production

'Love isn't always easy or clean or joyous. Sometimes it's intense and full of conflict and full of passion, and I think that is what is exciting. I'd say that's what's exciting about any play, but that's definitely what's exciting about this play … about watching the relationships and connections between these people," Cristy Landis said.

Landis and R.W. Smith play the lead roles, married couple Walter and Helen Griffin, in "Up," a play put on by Pure Theatre this month.

The play, written by Bridget Carpenter and directed by Pure's artistic director Sharon Graci, follows Walter's quest for fulfillment and adventure and how it affects his life and family.

"Just the dramatic moments between the family that are sometimes so simple and so painful and beautiful at the same time … that's what I've really enjoyed about this piece," Smith said.

"Up" is based on the true story of Larry Walters, a man who tied weather balloons to his lawn chair in 1982 and flew up to 16,000 feet. The play turns Larry into the character Walter, gives him a family, and watches him in his struggles. Rodney Lee Rogers plays, among other characters , Philippe Petit, who walked a high wire between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. Petit gives guidance to Walter.

About a year ago, Graci decided she wanted "Up" as a Pure Theatre production.

"I was attracted to the balance between the very clean language - the clean dialogue Carpenter wrote - and the opportunity for heightened theatricality," she said.

"Going from the page to the stage … you're limited by budget, the space you're in and what you can do with it," Smith said, but Graci "maximized our space like it's never been used before. It's a beautiful show."

And getting core members of Pure Theatre to sign on wasn't a problem - four of the six members are in "Up," including Smith and Landis. Smith said he easily identified with Walter since both he and the character are men struggling with their art forms, trying to make a living, and part of a family.

Landis said she identified with "what these people are engaged in - a question we all struggle with: How do you quench this thirst for happiness in your life? Where does that reside? Is it in your job, in your family, in your own dreams and aspirations?"

The play opened Oct. 2 and runs through Oct. 24 at Upper Lance Hall at the Circular Congregational Church. In its first three nights, the play brought out almost full or full houses, Smith said. The show runs 2 hours long, and does have some language and scenes that may be inappropriate for children.

Pure Theatre was co-founded by Graci and Rogers.

"We produce at a really high level," Graci said. "We're known for our acting and directing and excellence in execution."

This is Pure theatre's seventh season. Coming up next for the group?

"We follow up with a radio play really showing the breadth of the company," Graci said.

"It's a Wonderful Life" by Joe Landry, debuts Nov. 27 and will play through Dec. 19.

If you go

What: Pure Theatre presents the play, 'Up.'

When: Runs through Oct. 24. For show dates and times, visit puretheatre.org or call 723-4444.

Where: Upper Lance Hall on the grounds of Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St.

How much: $20-$30, through puretheatre.org or by calling 723-4444. Student rush tickets are available for $15 with a valid student ID, for tickets remaining at curtain.