My Review: "Queen" at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven

The show: “Queen” by Madhuri Shekar at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven.

What makes it special?: It’s a new play presented in association with the National Asian American Theatre Company. But what makes this special for many theatergoers is that this will be the final fully-produced subscription play by Long Wharf at the New Haven Food Terminal where it has called home for 57 years.

Yikes: Then what?: Yikes is right. Then the organization will do a transitional year including readings and a concert and a goodbye event (but not a play) at the Food Terminal in September. Then we’ll see what the new plans are for the organization about a year from now for then 2023-’24 season and what works (and what type of works, plays, musicals, readings, whatever) will be presented — and where. And what the financial situation will be for the company, and what they can afford to do.

Quick impressions of “Queen”?: It’s so gratifying to see craftsmanship at work on stage. It’s a tightly written, well acted and smartly staged production that deals with ethical issues in the scientific community. It’s especially relevant today as people question the validity of scientific research — and science in general.

What’s it about?: PhD candidates Sanam Shah (Avanthika Srinivasan), a stats specialist, and field researcher Ariel Spiegel (Stephanie Janssen), are about to have their dramatic research findings published in a prestigious scientific journal. It centers on the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, when honeybees suddenly abandon their hives, disturbing the natural system that supports the agricultural food systems. This discovery could alter the future for the bees, agriculture and the global food supply. But when a flaw is discovered in their research model that challenges their findings, an ethical dilemma emerges,

As they try to find the reason for the flaw, and hopefully explain it, they are being pressured by their politically-connected mentor/advisor at the university (Ben Livingston) who is receiving an award, in large part because of this research. This new research will greatly advance his career as well as, interestingly enough, with just one of the women. In the midst of trying to find a reason for the glitch, Shah (all-too-conveniently) meets a cynical Wall Street hotshot (Keshav Moodliar, terrific) who gives her fresh insights, an alternate perspective and even some romance.

Aneesha Kudtarkar stages the lively production (considering the scientific talk necessary) with aplomb. Junghyun Georgias Lee’s in-the-round set design is spare but versatile and effective, creating a kind of a hive of its own. Janssen and Srinivasan have great chemistry, with Janssen nicely showing the desperation and neediness of a woman who has struggled to reach the level of her achievement — and who sees even greater rewards just beyond her reach. Srinivasan radiates charm and intelligence and is the engine of the narrative that keeps the audience engaged, amused and off-balance. Livingston gives a well measured performance as the university power that can be nurturing and insidious at the same time.

What happens next? Ah, that’s the fun of the work, but it involves liberal bias, the scientific review process and questions of class, friendship and ambition.

What about the bees?: I was delighted to see that the bees also have a real presence in the production, giving the play a sweet denouement. It;’s nice to see that there is honey at the end an d although the narrative takes some liberties it’s an engrossing evening in the theatre, likely to be performers own many stages. I can imagine it on Netflix too. (I’m just starting the buzz here.)

Who will like it?: Scientists, or at least some. Those who like a juicy ethical dilemma play. Bee-lovers.

Who won’t?: The agrochemical company Monsanto. Shady scientists.

For the kids?: Smart ones, sure, probably from junior high up. But perhaps even a few wunderkinds who are younger.