26 Miles Is Far From Typical Female Fare

Beatriz and Olivia are unlike in most ways and haven't spent substantial time together in years, so much of their interaction involves simply learning how to be in each others' company. Since both of these characters are fully realized individuals, their dialogue is unexpected and clever, eschewing generic topics like relationship advice. And although the male actors inhabit smaller roles, the characters they play are indispensable. Broadway vet Triney Sandoval is particularly memorable as both a romantic food vendor and an apologetic husband.

As Beatriz, Zabryna Guevara is grounded, with the perfect amount of zest. She nails all of her punchlines without becoming exaggerated or desperate. Laura C. Harris mimics a teenage girl's body language with precision and maintain an air of inquisitiveness throughout, while Frederic competently portrays a man struggling to sort out his life's contentious components.

The only missteps here are within the otherwise delightful script; Olivia's narration by way of her notebook writing isn't particularly coherent. Each episode complements the script, but they don't coalesce around one theme, particularly in the case of the opening hypothetical meditation on pickpockets. One digression illustrated by a mountain climber is intriguing but disjointed, interrupting the brisk pace.

But these small complains don't diminish the considerable strength of the production. Far better than being "heart-warming," 26 Miles is simply honest, and the truth is sometimes painful. Appropriately, no conflict has been truly resolved by the play's end; many family problems never are. Partners betray and parents disappoint, but the impulse to understand one's family endures.

26 Miles runs through Nov. 22 at Round House. Tickets are available online.