One of those fans is an inquisitive young boy named Cam (Thomas Murphy Molony) who was different. He was encouraging, thoughtful, brave and persistent. The relationship between the two deepened, encouraged by her friend and fellow actor, Peter Gallagher, due to the nature of Cam’s terminal disease and in cooperation with Cam’s guardian and grandmother Nan (Dot Marie Jones). In a few short weeks, Delany was communicating regularly to make the boy’s final days bright and meaningful, sending photos and telling his story to close friends and to those around her on the set.
“Highway Patrol,” which opened Tuesday night at Goodman, is based on Delany’s digital archive of her experience in text messages that have been curated by playwright Jen Silverman. Delany, a superbly engaging central star who has an arresting presence on stage throughout the play, is narrative storyteller. The show—created by Delany, Silverman, director Mike Donohue and scenic designer Dane Laffrey—moves with precision over the course of two-acts, retelling a captivating story that, at times, defies belief except that at every turn we know this all happened. Delany gives a stunningly poised performance, as if she were recounting these events in a more intimate setting than Goodman’s 856-seat Albert that was filled to capacity.
That same ease of delivery is highlighted in Molony’s endearing performance as Cam who is making his Goodman debut. And although it would be unfair to give more away about their relationship in what becomes a fascinating and intriguing thriller, watching Delany’s story unfold made for a marvelous night of theatre. Like nothing you will ever see.
PHOTO|Liz Lauren
Goodman Theatre
presents
HIGHWAY PATROL
through February 18, 2024
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