A play about the artist Mark Rothko features outstanding performances by Andrew Uhlenhopp and Josue Miranda

Red, the two-character play currently on stage at Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton, features an award-winning script by John Logan and an exceptional cast. As directed by Matthew Kepeler, it is 90 minutes of rapid-fire dialogue exploring the meaning of artistic vision versus that of the commercial art world.

Centered on several years in the life of the abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko, Red explores events in the late 1950s when Rothko was commissioned to provide original artwork for the soon-to-be hot spot for the rich and famous, The Four Seasons Restaurant.

In this fictionalized interpretation of Rothko’s (Andrew Uhlenhopp) experience, we meet him as he quizzically stares at his artwork, which he often does, while waiting to hire a potential new assistant. In comes fresh-faced Ken (Josue Miranda), a painter himself, eager to start work with the masterful Rothko.

Over the next 90 minutes, the two men tear into each other while spouting their strong beliefs regarding the meaning and usefulness of modern art. After all, Rothko’s paintings are merely rectangular shapes of intense color, primarily red. As Ken rebukes, sometimes people want beautiful artwork, not artwork that takes concentrated brain power to understand.

How would this be regarded in the artistic community, wonders Rothko? Although he has achieved a certain level of success, Rothko is insecure and often compares himself to his creative peers, some of whom have achieved great acclaim. The sparring between the men quickly leads to a reckoning for Rothko as he accepts the stark reality of providing his self-valued artwork for nothing more than a pretentious new restaurant.

Andrews Uhlenhopp delivers a commanding performance of the artist Mark Rothko in ‘Red’ at Littleton Town Hall | Photo: Gail Marie Bransteitter

Powerful performances

A Tony winner for Best Play, Red is a captivating character examination of Rothko and Ken as they maneuver through each other’s lives. The dialogue is authentic and genuinely simplistic — there is no need to lean forward to catch the meaning of the playwright’s words. There are many references to art and art history throughout, capturing an essence of believability between the two men, but the play is never dry or staid; instead, it is rich with passion and emotion.

As Rothko, Uhlenhopp is nothing shy of supreme. He has captured the essence of a man on the precipice of superstardom while displaying all the insecurities someone might go through while facing immortality through his creative endeavors. Uhlenhopp has brightened many stages in the metropolitan area, always turning in a high-quality performance, and this is no exception.

Miranda has an uphill battle to climb as Ken, being the voice that enters Rothko’s head during a complicated period in his life. Miranda meets the challenge and then some. In a fully developed characterization, he delivers a one-two punch that propels the play’s action decidedly. A University of Northern Colorado graduate, Miranda performs powerfully and is the perfect foil to Uhlenhopp’s Rothko.

Matthew Kepler’s direction allows the script to speak for itself through its penetrating dialogue and well-defined intentions without being heavy-handed. Kepler grants the piece to self-propel with a mighty crescendo, culminating in a robust finish. Only a gifted director can make a play come to life with such ease.

Every attempt should be made to see Red, playing only through May 5. It is a prime example of theatre as it should be: thought-provoking, illuminating and entertaining.