A young woman boards The Coast Starlight Amtrak train in Los Angeles on her way to meet up with her boyfriend in Seattle. She fears that they will break up on their meeting. A young man boards the train on his way out of town to avoid being deployed to Afghanistan. Along the route, four others board the train with stories to tell. The what-ifs of their potential conversations are explored, but will any of them actually speak to each other? 

Keith Bunin has written an excellent exploration of a cross section of Americans all on the same train, but on very different journeys. It’s a great ensemble piece.

Sethe Nguyen is fantastic as the young woman who is seeking an alternative experience on this trip besides meeting up with her boyfriend. Robby Matlock is excellent as the young man considering changing everything about his life. Jeff Brown is superb as the middle-aged man who can dispense great advice. Chaney Moore is really good as the woman who shares her whole love story immediately upon boarding the train. John Raymond Barker is solid in his supporting role. Lastly, Julie Fontenot is great as the mother who has to explain to her kids why she was gone for so long. 

Cost of a ticket: $63

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value

Rating Scale: Exceptional > Good Value > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for The Coast Starlight at Main Street Theatre through March 1st. 

Quinn Delaney