The Coast Starlight

Colgan High School

Teen reviewer: Z. Murphy

Photo credit: @visualsbygiselle on Instagram

The stranger sitting beside you on a long train ride could become your greatest enemy, your closest friend, or even the love of your life.

During a 35-hour journey, it’s nearly impossible not to wonder what might happen. Colgan High School’s production of The Coast Starlight explored these possibilities with warmth, humor, and vast emotional depth.

The Coast Starlight

Written by Keith Bunin, The Coast Starlight was originally commissioned and developed by La Jolla Playhouse through its DNA New Works Series. The play made its New York City premiere in 2023 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater through Lincoln Center Theater, under the direction of Tyne Rafaeli, and has since been produced in various regional and community theaters.

A young man armed with a terrible secret boards the Coast Starlight, a long-distance train that runs from Los Angeles to Seattle. With the help of his fellow travelers, each confronting choices of their own, their stories intertwine as he struggles to determine which path he will take.

This Production

The Coast Starlight was performed in Colgan’s Blackbox Theater with runway-style seating, which worked wonderfully to create the intimate environment necessary for the piece. Under the direction of Lanny Warkentien, The Coast Starlight was blocked with undeniable care and intention. Distance was used skillfully to create tension throughout, and all actors could be easily seen and understood. This production was masterfully paced, which is particularly difficult in a single-act format. The use of lighting was also incredibly effective, especially when working with such a bare stage: distinct shifts were used to indicate the difference between imagination and reality, which greatly aided in the production’s visual storytelling.

Performances

The Coast Starlight is the perfect example of an ensemble-driven show; from the moment the lights came up, every actor was undeniably committed, and relationships felt extremely intimate despite their characters having just met moments before. The Coast Starlight requires immense awareness, care, and talent, and these six actors tackled those challenges with ease.

Paris Gold truly blossomed in her role as Jane, and brought an endearing, grounded energy to this production. Gold displayed riveting chemistry with Harrison Dunick as T.J., and the way their relationship shifted throughout the play from daydream to reality was deeply engaging. Dunick’s performance felt exceptionally deep and lived-in, with an excellent balance of youth and experience that kept the audience captivated with every breath. Dunick’s scene work continued to shine in his interactions with Oliver Klinke as Noah. Klinke demonstrated a strong understanding of the text and character, bringing a thoughtful sense of nuance and intention to every emotional beat.

Connor Bragdon displayed remarkable maturity in his portrayal of Ed, a jaded and lost man searching for hope. Through deliberate and thoughtful choices, Bragdon captured the complexity of the character, skillfully balancing Ed’s hardened exterior with his struggles beneath the surface.

Riley Spittle conveyed a grounded and reassuring presence in their role as Anna, and made the character feel immediately warm and relatable. Spittle’s ability to navigate Anna’s emotional journey was especially compelling; by seamlessly shifting from moments of grief and uncertainty to genuine hope, Spittle’s performance brought a quiet depth to her character that resonated throughout the production. Finally, Eli Guy beautifully rounded out the cast as Liz, and expertly balanced a strong sense of comedy with deep emotional weight.

Who is it for?

The Coast Starlight offers an intricate and raw exploration of the human experience, examining the choices we make, the connections we form, and the ways those moments ultimately shape who we become. Through its diverse characters and intricate storytelling, this production encourages audiences to reflect on the unpredictability of life and the lasting impact that even brief encounters can have. Due to its mature themes and language, Colgan suggests this production for ages 13+.

If you couldn’t catch The Coast Starlight, keep a lookout for the rest of Colgan’s season, including Dear Evan Hansen, Murder on the Orient Express, Peter and the Starcatcher, Steel Magnolias, and Into the Woods!

Visit @colgantheatre on Instagram for more information about tickets and their upcoming season.