SARASOTA — The year is 2048, and honeybees are extinct, save a limited supply that is being kept alive in corporate, lab-based apiaries—with varying levels of success. When a shocking discovery leads to a major boost in bee populations at the Kalop Corporation, two employees experience something of an ethical conundrum.
Zora, a PhD scientist who recently left a bigger corporation, convinces her chatty lab mate, Pilar, that the greater good must be served. However, they need to hide the secret of their success from their overstressed boss, Gwen, a nervous corporate supervisor who just wants to keep the bosses happy enough to keep funding the department.
Urbanite brought together a powerhouse all-female cast that features several familiar faces. Brooklyn-based Terri Weagant, who wowed local audiences in her lead role in the Asolo Rep's production of Woe and then in Bo-Nita and Spaceman at Urbanite, is her usual brilliant self in four roles: Cece/Kara/Anna/Bryn.
Dekyi Rongé, whose Urbanite credits include No One is Forgotten, Birds of North America, and Westminster, shines most brightly as Zora. West Coast Black Theatre Troupe veteran Ariel Blue is hilarious as Gwen, whose role serves up the comic relief. Newcomer Christina Mei Chen more than holds her own among such a talented cast as Pilar.
Urbanite is known for more than making the most of its small black box space, but Jeff Weber's set design for this play takes it to a new level. He even constructed a lab/doctor's office-like hallway that leads audience members into the performance area, tripping a mental switch of sorts.
The Apiary is a gripping metaphorical play that is part science fiction, part horror, and all dark comedy. It is no surprise that Kate Douglas scored a coveted New York Times Critics' Pick. Directed by Summer Dawm Wallace, it runs through April 19. Visit the Urbanite website for schedule and ticket information.
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