Thom Pain, (based on nothing) Directed by Jerry Manning Starring: Todd Jefferson Moore Seattle Repertory Theatre (Leo K. Theatre) October 5-November 5th

It's hard to imagine that one man, on a stage without any props, or anything flashing, blowing up or any of the standard, short-attention span vision grabbers out there these days, could so enthrall an audience. That a theater full of people (except for one man who left to find his wallet -- his companion kept pointing this out, even as it was clear that actor Todd Jefferson Moore, who plays 'Thom Pain' was merely making an observation, a rhetorical one) would sit quietly and patiently, listening to this spindly, at times frenetic man, go on about seemingly nothing. And for 70 minutes no less. Ah, but that's the beauty of Seattle Rep's newest one-man show, the second show in their new Fall season.

Moore starts his monologue with the beginnings of a story about a child that loses his pet dog to a freak lightning accident, but from this tenuous beginning, he embellishes the bare stage with more characters, including a woman with whom he seems to have had a doomed relationship. Mostly, though, Moore creates 'Thom Pain,' the character, out of a blood and gristle humanity that everyone in that room could relate to, whether they'd admit it or not. He also manages to score a few laughs and pepper his monologue with a few salacious bits and naughty words, profusely apologizing, even as he continues this rambling tale about the magic and tragedy of the human experience.

I loved Moore's ability to keep my attention and everyone else's, surprising us with what a good story can feel like, when it's told by a master. And believe me, Moore is a master storyteller and actor. And trust me, it might sound like a boring show, but I assure you, 'Thom Pain' will have you laughing out loud, make you think and, mostly, make you feel deeply and consider our temporary realm of living. As far as I'm concerned, that's pretty much a damn miracle these days and isn't that a good thing. Sho'nuff.

For information on tickets and times, call 206-443-2222 (or toll free at 1-877-900- 9285) or go online to: www.seattlerep.org.