The delightful denizens of “Airness” are out to win over audiences by expressing themselves through big personalities and genuine decency while creating the wondrous illusion of playing invisible guitars. Airness is written by award-winning playwright Chelsea Marcantel. It focuses on those seeking a way out from unfulfilling lives through the shared passion of competitive air guitar. It is directed by Christina A. Coakley.
Harrison Smith, Gary L. Perkins III, Chris Stezin, and Billie Krishawn in "Airness" at 1st Stage Tysons
According to Great Falls Connection, "The set-up is this; Nina sets out to enter her first air guitar competition. She thinks herself a cinch to win since she plays a great real guitar. Nina discovers she has lots to absorb; even if she would rather not. Through fits-and-starts, Nina becomes friends with a group of air guitar aficionados. Nina learns that air guitar is more than pretending to play guitar riffs on an invisible guitar mimicking her hero Joan Jett. She has to find her own raw joy and the wildness inside herself. “Everything we need to rock is already inside us," says one of her new friends to Nina."
As per Great Falls Connection, "Airness” has a down-on-its-heels bar setting that oozes beer-stained floors. Matthew J. Keenan is the set designer; with projections from Nitsan Scharf. Sydney Moore fashioned the eye-popping, colorful costumes. Kenny Neal added recorded rock riffs heard throughout the production. Jessica Redish choreographed the never-stop dance and movement routines. The cast is clearly in top-notch athletic condition.
For those who dreamt of mimicking playing a guitar à la Tom Cruise in “Risky Business” or Joe Cocker at Woodstock, or just want to have a fun evening out, take in “Airness.” It is an affectionate play about a bevy of lovable, off-center dreamers."
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
