Ruskin Group Theatre presents The Substance of Fire. Written by Jon Robin Baitz. Directed by Mike Reilly. Produced by John Ruskin and Michael R. Myers.

Isaac Geldhart (Rob Morrow) has a problem. His company is collapsing and he is having a hard time relating to his children. Aaron (Emmitt Butler), Sarah (Fiona Dorn), and Martin (Barret T. Lewis) get together to take over the company and try to convince Isaac that the business strategy needs to change to put the company back in the black. Isaac, however, refuses to relent and the relationship with his children continues to deteriorate. The brilliant text by Jon Robin Baitz reveals the complexities of family dynamics and the challenging corporate landscape in the face of a generational shift.

Isaac seems unable to communicate his experiences as a Holocaust survivor to his children in a way that resonates with them. As they grew up in America in a free society, they seem unable to relate with the struggles of the previous Jewish generations. Isaac thinks that his children are unwilling to fight for their beliefs. This shows the disconnect between both generations, adding more strains to their relationship.

Morrow’s portrayal of a Holocaust survivor is convincing and compelling. He shows the intricate web of emotions of a man who reinvented himself despite the hardships of tragedy. Morrow conveys, with passion and wit, Isaac’s fierce mental state, but also the darkness of his decline.

In the second act, Isaac faces another set of challenges. He is older and more isolated. As he starts to unlock memories, they become more painful, accentuated by his loneliness. But there is a slight ray of hope. The psychiatric social worker who is sent to evaluate his mental capacities may spark some fire into his life. Marge Hackett (Marcia Cross) interacts, argues, and empathizes with Isaac, revealing surprising details along the way. Cross delivers a memorable performance, portraying a possibility, a second chance in life, pushing, pulling, like an enigma. Cross and Morrow display an extraordinary chemistry on set that translates into a superb performance, dissecting the underlying emotions, hopes, and devastating loneliness of both characters.

Director Mike Reilly captures in vivid detail the essence of the play. With a stellar cast and a brilliant text, Reilly structures a poignant production that presents the challenging realities of a character that refuses to let go of the past, and characters that expose the emotional scars of secrets and insecurities. Will the characters be able to reignite the substance of fire?

The Substance of Fire