A NUMBER – Madnani Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Cloning, technique scientists used to make exact genetic copies of living things. Genes, cells, tissues, and even whole animals can all be cloned. In humans, identical twins are like clones. How would it feel to be one of them?
And, if you are one of them, then – who are you?
Great and important questions? We know how identical twins happen. It happened when a fertilized egg splits in two. To clone a gene, researchers take DNA from a living creature and insert it into a carrier like bacteria or yeast. Every time that carrier reproduces, a new copy of the gene is made. Which means, hundreds of the same genes could be reproduced.
The iconic play on human cloning, ‘A Number’ was first produced in 2002, and it is one of the earliest dramatic examinations of the possibilities and physical and moral consequences of human cloning, redefining what it means to be human and part of a family.
When Salter (Michael Muniz Vodde), father who cloned his first son, because he liked him very much, discovered that the genetic print was stolen and hundreds of them were reproduced, and when the truth came out in its entirety, he had some explaining to do, as one of the original sons (Damien Midkiff), is confused and cannot accept the fact that he is just one of them. Can it be taken in a positive manner? Especially if there are hundreds of him out there?
With A Number, Caryl Churchill (playwright) shows us the world that is coming. Masterfully written, the focus is placed on dialogue between father and son.
Directed by James Paradise, who has directed plays Off Broadway and in Los Angeles, the actors are given the opportunity to expand by being genuine and true to themselves. In getting emotionally deeply connected, they embrace vulnerability and humility and give us the performance that is breathing life into their dramatic characters. Dynamic and convincing performances!
Produced by James Paradise and Damien Midkiff the elegant, yet simple scenic design works beautifully for actors and for space, and the music between the scenes is lovely.
The Creatives are; Mia Condon (stage manager), Jeff Rack (set design), Gregory Crafts (lighting design), Nick Foran (sound design), Michael Mullen (costume design), Joy Ellison (dialect coach), and Alexandria Midkiff (graphic design). Philip Sokoloff oversees publicity.
A Number runs from September 18- October 11, 2026, at Madnani Theater, 6760 Lexington Avenue in Hollywood, CA 90038. The performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is $25. Estimated running time is 70 minutes.
Online tickets can be purchased at https://events.thestagecrafts.com/15047