'No Way Back' is a heart-warming story of survival

"No Way Back" is a poignant personal journey for playwright Mahshid Fashandi Hager as she shares her family's flight from war-torn Iran in 1979.

This story is told by 10-year old Hager as she recalls the happy times shared with her family transitioning through their escape and finally to safety.

Well-told by the multi-faceted actor Jessica John, all is relived through her multiple characterizations. John weaves this true story with compassion and clarity as she seamlessly transitions characters. Hers is a master class in acting.

After just finishing Jimmy Stewart's biography, the one thing I took away from it was his conviction that acting is not an art form, but a craft not unlike the building trades. Stewart's mantra being the more you worked at acting the better you got and the only way to do that is to work at it. John proved his theory. She is a craftsman of the highest degree.

This play won the 2018 Solo Show Contest in 2018 held by The Roustabouts Theatre Company. It is a heart-warming story of survival. One wonders where people will flee when America is no longer safe?

Director Fran Gercke along with John are co-founders of Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company, formerly affiliated with La Jolla Playhouse.

Producer Sher Krieger pulled off this world premiere by selecting a top-shelf crew. Michael Brueggemeyer directed the photography and mastered the editing. Jonah Gercke acted as film consultant. Joel Britt was the lighting designer and Tony Cucuzzella created the set. Matt Lescaulet-Wood is credited as the sound designer while Jessamyn Foster managed the stage. Assisting John with her costuming was Ross Stewart, a student at Mesa College with a concentration in theatrical costuming.

"No Way Back" is now playing on the main stage at The Roustabouts Theatre through Dec. 13, via streaming. Tickets are available at http://www.theroustabouts.org, starting at $25. Rated 10 out of 10.

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached by email at [email protected].