Don't Miss Predictor at Powerstories

On stage now through July 26, Powerstories Theatre production of Predictor is a triumph of fast paced storytelling, anchored by a 60s set so vivid it feels like stepping straight into 1967. The lighting and sound become characters of their own, shaping mood, memory, and momentum with a precision that keeps the audience leaning in. Scene transitions glide effortlessly. Even something as simple as Meg Crane changing a dress on stage feels natural, intentional, and beautifully woven into the rhythm of the show. Six actors play multiple roles and jump between past and present within seconds, yet the story never becomes confusing. It is crisp, clear, and wonderfully alive.

Jenna Jane is exceptional as Meg Crane, brilliant, stubborn, and fiercely feminist, fighting men for women’s autonomy with a fire that never dims. Jenna is never not in a scene. She carries the entire story with a stamina and emotional range that is breathtaking to watch. Every moment she is onstage feels electric, and every choice she makes pulls the audience deeper into Meg’s fight to be heard, respected, and believed. Her performance is the heartbeat of Predictor and the spark that drives the story forward with purpose.

Will Chamblee, who is one of the nicest people you could ever meet offstage, transforms into the misogynistic Jack with such force that women in the audience gasped and some even responded aloud when he yelled at Meg.

Ivy Sunflower shines as Meg’s supportive best friend Jody and then breaks hearts as a woman from the typing pool carrying a heavy personal secret. When Meg is about to give up, Jody delivers one of the most important lines in the play. She tells her, don’t just sit there. In fact don’t sit down at all. On the surface, she is urging Meg to stop being passive. Symbolically, she is pushing Meg to reject the role women are expected to play, to stop waiting for permission, to take action, and to trust her own instincts. That advice propels Meg directly into the next scene, where she chooses to confront the situation rather than accept being sidelined.

Kari Velguth is hysterical as Meg’s coworker with the endlessly long job title and equally compelling as Meg’s mother who cannot understand a daughter wanting more than the traditional path.

Jill Schroeder switches roles with razor sharp clarity and is perfect as a cog in the corporate machine, the woman who put the pen in Meg’s hand and encouraged her to sign away the patent rights without anyone truly explaining what that meant. As a nun, she encouraged young Meg to join the order, delivering the moment with gentle humor and a touch of earnest persuasion that made the audience smile.

Landon Green switches between Meg’s boss, a man who has never dealt with a woman employee bold enough to stand up for herself, and Meg’s loving dad with effortless clarity. The shift is as simple as adding a sweater or a suit jacket, yet it feels like watching two entirely different people inhabit the stage. It is precise, believable, and one of the many reasons the ensemble’s character work feels so extraordinary.

Matt dePasquale is first the friendly coworker who explains the corporate medical pregnancy test process and quietly plants the seed for Meg’s revolutionary home test. He then brings suave charm as the man who believes in Meg’s idea and her unstoppable persistence to create the first home pregnancy test. The attraction between Meg and Ira is magnetic and beautifully played.

The chorus ensemble work is outstanding. Doctors, television commercials, office workers, and more appear in rapid succession, and the cast switches characters so quickly it feels like magic. The lighting and sound support every shift with clarity, punch, and a groovy 60s heartbeat that keeps the story moving at full speed.

Director Gigi Jennewein and Powerstories’ new Artistic Director Clareann Despain should be extremely proud of the first story they have chosen to stage to begin Powerstories twenty sixth season under the theme Greater Good. Predictor is, in one word, flawless. It is history that was nearly forgotten brought roaring back to life with humor, heart, and groovy 60s flair. It is the kind of show people tell friends about immediately because they cannot believe how good it was.

And if you need one more reason to see Predictor, take Jody’s advice to Meg as your own: don’t just sit there. In fact don’t sit down at all.

*Inventor Meg Crane will be joining Powerstories on July 25 and 26.

Please note: This is author's own opinion, despite being part of Powerstories' staff.