A Muslim family moves from Las Vegas to Colombus, Ohio after a tragedy. They do their best to fit in with the community and support each other. The father starts to become paranoid that someone has bugged the house and insists that they keep the lights off, which makes the house feel like a cave.  

This is a fantastic debut by the playwright, Sadieh Rifai (Assistant-Directed Turret). The first half is so funny and charming. The second half dives into heavier material, but it still has it’s lighter moments. It’s a great balance. 

It’s a very impressive cast size for such a small space at A Red Orchid Theatre. H. Adoni Esho is excellent as the father, who struggles with mental issues, like his father before him. Kirsten Fitzgerald (In Quietness,Swing State) is superb as the wife, who doesn’t understand the changes in her husband. Aaliyah Montana is outstanding as the older daughter, who is discovering her identity. Milla Liss is stellar as the younger daughter, who is forced to grow up quickly. 

Ashley Neal (Plano) is great as the friendly neighbor who is very concerned with the HOA rules. Guy Van Swearingen (Trouble in Mind, The Moors) is excellent as the uncle who recounts Vietnam war stories to the older daughter for a school project. Omer Abbas Salem is solid as the father’s friend who has some interesting ideas. John Judd (A View From the Bridge, and Natalie West (Revolution, Fulfillment Center) are absolutely hilarious as the grandparents still learning about Muslim culture. 

Get tickets now for The Cave through March 23rd!

Cost of a ticket: $55

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

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

Quinn Delaney