A mysterious stain, newlywed uncertainty, and lots and lots of champagne set the stage for post-nuptial turbulence. The world premiere of Steve Yockeys “Niagara Falls” at the Theatre of NOTE is full of charm with a dash of humor.

Newlyweds Avery (Alina Phelan) and Jack (John Colella) set the tone at the top of the show with their high energy, eager to begin their honeymoon at Niagara Falls. Phelan and Colella share great chemistry and their characters balance each other out, as laid back Jack keeps anxious Avery calm about the odd person-shaped stain in the carpet. Little do they know that an ugly stain will test their relationship in ways no one would expect after only 24 hours of marriage.

The entire set (designed by Tristan Jeffers) is composed of wood, from the floor and back wall to the furniture. However, the lovely way the boards ripple near the ceiling and rupture where the wall meets the floor parallels the relationships that have splintered in the hotel room. Seated to the far right and left of the stage, the ensemble creates most of the sound effects during the first half of the show, which range from overlapping arguments between lovers to the rushing Falls themselves. The live, organic sounds help make the performance an immersive experience, drawing in the audience. 

SEE ALSO: Kirsten Vangsness Makes A 'Mess' at The Theatre Of NOTE

As a whole, the cast brings out each character’s quirks, making each of them distinct and memorable. In particular, the juxtaposition of bitterly angry Max (Travis York) and jovially outgoing Bale (Garett Maggart) sharing a scene together makes it one of the most noteworthy, as it’s fun to discover which disposition ultimately triumphs over the other. 

Despite painful themes of falling out of love and relationships dissolving, the performance maintains a light-heartedness that emphasizes the show’s humor and the good that comes from those situations, which is an effective and engaging directing choice on the part of Ryan Bergmann. Even Linda (Kathy Deitch), the emphatically bubbly concierge with a horrible romantic history, forces a smile and moves forward. It paints a picture of reality that is both painfully true, yet inspiring. 

“Niagara Falls” leaves the audience in a thoughtful state, pondering what it means to love someone and how one knows he or she ended up with the right person. Entertaining and humorous, this show would be a weekend night well spent. I offer Bale’s advice: “You just have to get on the roller coaster.”

“Niagara Falls” is playing through March 28th at the Theatre of NOTE (1517 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood). Tickets are $20-25. For more information visit TheatreofNOTE.com

Reach Contributor Kelly Jonske here

For more Theatre & Dance coverage click here