Ginnifer Goodwin and Allen Leech Calculate Endless Possibilities in Nick Payne’s ‘Constellations’

Tony Sokol

Science and romance collide in “Constellations,” Written by Nick Payne, the play has been compared to “Groundhog Day” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It tells the story of a beekeeper named Roland, played by Allen Leech (“Downton Abbey,” “The Imitation Game”), who buzzes up against a quantum physicist named Marianne, played by Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon a Time,” “Big Love”). “What are their odds of falling in love,” the official synopsis asks. “With infinite moments that can change the trajectory of a life, it’s anyone’s guess how cosmic collision is possible.” Goodwin’s distant scientist and Leech’s accessible beekeeper live out the endless possibilities of the lives’ circumstances, including five different ways the marriage proposal could work out.

Directed by Giovanna Sardelli, who helmed “Describe the Night,” “The North Pool,” and “Earth Girls Are Easy,” the Los Angeles production of “Constellations” asks “what if” and offers a picture of “what is.” Everything is relevant. “Who knew that higher physics could be so sexy, so accessible, and so emotionally devastating,” asked The New York Times in its review. Los Angeles Times called “Constellations” a “small, unorthodox play zeroing in on those mainstream emotions provoked by love and loss.” With a running time of only an hour and 20 minutes, with no intermission, Variety called the play “short and sweet and strangely haunting.”

“Constellations” premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre January 2012. Directed by Michael Longhurst, it starred Rafe Spall and Sally Hawkins. Jake Gyllenhaal made his Broadway debut in Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2015 production at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. He and co-star Ruth Wilson were each nominated for Best Lead performance Tony Awards. “Constellations” was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.

The sets were designed by Takeshi Kata. Denitsa Bliznakova was the costume designer. The lighting was designed by Lap Chi Chu. Lindsay Jones wrote original music and designed the sound. The dramaturg was Rachel Wiegardt-Egelis. Julie Haber stage managed the production.

“Constellations” runs June 6 through July 23 at Geffen Playhouse’s Gil Cates Theater.