Theater review: Rogue Theater Company’s ‘Constellations’ asks big questions

By Lucie K. Scheuer/for the Rogue Valley Times, July 20, 2026

Toward the start of the play “Constellations” by Nick Payne, a quantum physicist named Marianne expresses a strong desire to unlock life’s meaning: “If only we could understand why it is that we’re here and what it is that we’re meant to spend our lives doing,” she muses.

Indeed, these questions have taken their rightful place alongside humanity’s biggest — is there a God? Are we alone in the universe? For the purposes of “Constellations” however, the even bigger mysteries may be those that orbit the human heart. Why do we love the people we choose to love? What is behind the law of attraction?

These questions are at the core of “Constellations,” a compelling and imaginative theatre piece, presented with spontaneous kinetic energy by the Rogue Theater Company in the Richard L. Hay Center at Grizzly Peak Winery through Aug. 2. Viewing “Constellations” is like watching a series of freeze-frames from several films about the same subject. 

Once upon a “timeline,” Roland, a handsome, charismatic beekeeper meets a Cambridge-educated physicist named Marianne at a barbecue. They are instantly attracted to one another. The story follows their romance, which takes them through a series of scenarios or timelines in which any number of things can and do happen. 

Marianne, played by actress Christine Albright, is a self-assured, good-natured, capable woman. Albright seamlessly makes it through a series of stop-action scenarios without skipping a beat. The possibilities in her sphere include staying with Roland, having an affair, marrying, breaking up, among many others. Albright handles them all with split-second timing.

Roland, played by John Tufts, is our sensitive, new-age guy. He loves Marianne unconditionally through all the scenarios. He is definitely poised for a long-term relationship. Tufts matches Albright with his devotion and sincerity (and a kiss to the elbow).

New York-based Director Emily Moler has really made this story pop, and this couple shine, by ensuring continuity from scene to scene (of which there are many), as the two actors, cued by an abrupt sound, make a quantum leap from one dialog set to another. 

RTC is known for its minimalist sets due to the configuration of the Richard L. Hay auditorium. Once again the production crew has made the most of the space.  This time, the actors are on a runway-type platform with twinkling lights. Maybe they are stars. Along the edge of this stage are a series of candid snapshots of their lives. The scenic design by Michael Ganio and lighting by Michael J. Stanfill are deceptively simple and very effective.

So, will Roland and Marianne breakup or stay together? Probably. After all, life is just a series of possibilities.

Performances of Rogue Theater Company’s “Constellations” are scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, through Aug. 2, at Grizzly Peak Winery, 1600 E. Nevada St., Ashland. 

Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. 

See roguetheatercompany.com or call 541-205-9190 for tickets, special showings, talkbacks and further information.