Time Stands Still - Theater Review

By Harrison Held

Paul Uricioli, Kelly Fischer, Jamie Zwick and Nicole Pacent in Time Stands Still
Photo by Sami Kolko

Last night I saw a very moving and poignant production of Time Stands Still very well directed by Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) at the cozy Lounge Theaters in Hollywood . The well-written, provocative play by award-winning writer Donald Margulies features an excellent cast: Jamie Zwick, Nicole Pacent, Kelly Fischer and Paul Urcioli are terrific portraying polar opposite couples trying to make their lives work.

The thought provoking story takes place in the Williamsburg Brooklyn loft of Sarah Goodwin (Nicole Pacent) and Jamie Dodd (Jamie Zwick). Star photojournalist Sarah returns from Iraq to recover after a serious accident almost killed her. Her guilt ridden boyfriend, writer Jamie, left Iraq prior to the accident and is devoted to her care and is eager to move forward with conventional marriage and a child, while Sarah is not so sure. Their boss Richard Ehrlich (Paul Urcioli) is head over heals in love with a much younger lady, a bubbly blonde named Mandy (Kelly Fischer) who works as an event planner which to Sarah and Jamie is like being from another planet. The chemistry between the cast members was excellent and the story was funny, touching and achingly sad.

Nicole Pacent and Jamie Zwick in Time Stands Still
Photo by Sami Kolko
Kudos to producer Sami Kolko and her cast and crew on a well done production that is definitely worth seeing. It was fun mingling with the cast and their friends and family after the play, which is a passion project and a family affair... actor Jamie Zwick is newly engaged to producer/actress Sami Kolko and is the son of director Joel Zwick. This resonating production of Time Stands Still is a great showcase for their collective formidable talents.

Time Stands Still plays thru Sunday September 30th at Lounge Theaters 6201 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood. For tickets and more information visit www.timestandsstill.brownpapertickets.com or call (800) 838-3006. 

Lighting and sound design by J. Kent Insay, scenic design by Chris Winfield, press by Philip Sokoloff and stage management by Debbie Blount.