Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies is about the impact, physical and emotional, of the war in the Middle East on a couple and their relationship: a woman war photographer, the very strong and compelling Laura Linney, and a convincing writer/correspondent, Brian D'Arcy James. They're both terrific.
A counterbalance is a second couple: Eric Bobosian as an editor and Alicia Silverstone as his much younger somewhat dingbatty girlfriend. Their life is here in town, not on the battlefields on the other side of the world. Bogosian is solid. Silverstone just about steals the show -- her performance is sincere, totally believable, and her charm fills the theater.
We learn a lot about the process of exposing the horror of war, the burnout that can result, and the question of whether this exposure is doing any good. The play becomes a domestic drama as the two principals reach a fork in the road, and each has to choose the right personal path.
As directed by Daniel Sullivan this is a dynamic piece of engrossing theater with powerful performances, a fine set by John Lee Beatty and some of the best, subtle lighting in town by Peter Kaczorowski.
