Arkansas State theatre’s devised play, “Imagination Unleashed: Stuck on a Train to Nowhere” is an all-around creative masterpiece. From the script to the cast and crew, it’s worth getting on the train. 

With this play being a devised theatre piece, this is a brand new, never-before-seen script. Members of the devised theatre class created the entire play during the fall semester, but from how hilarious and developed the story is, it’s easy to forget this isn’t a published play that’s been around for years. 

The plot of the show centers around passengers on a train they are unable to get off of until they’ve confronted moments of their lives that have caused them to feel stuck. The play does a fantastic job making the audience think about their lives and ask what’s holding them back from going forward in life. 

The Conductor, played by Jace Hahn, starts the show off, truly inviting the audience into the experience as the opening monologue seems directed not just at the actors on the train, but the audience as well, bringing everyone onto the train and making everyone ponder their lives. 

“Stuck on a Train to Nowhere” is Hahn’s A-State theatre acting debut. Usually behind the scenes during shows, he’s a natural in this role, causing the audience to laugh at his dialogue and conduct the rest of the passengers through their traumas they have to rehash.

From the A-State theatre veterans to the first-years in the show, every actor is phenomenal and shines in their roles. It’s easy to see their relationships grow with the other characters throughout the show because of how talented all of the actors are. 

All of the passengers on the train had to take on multiple roles as both their main character and someone from another passenger’s experience, causing every actor on that stage to take on different personalities throughout the show.

During the show, I felt myself holding my breath during some of the scenes because of how serious the moments truly felt for the characters. Even without knowing much backstory on the passengers, it was easy to feel protective almost towards them from the beginning since they all had to relive moments they couldn’t let go of. 

Be prepared to laugh, question your life and maybe even cry when you go see this show. Be warned, however, of the mature themes depicted in the play: strong language, physical and emotional abuse, grief, loss and substance abuse. 

The show continues this weekend, so if you haven’t had a chance to get stuck with the conductor and other passengers, you still have a chance on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 in the Simpson theatre. Students can get a free ticket by showing their student ID.

Categories: Arts & Entertainment