Every once in a while, when you’re watching a live performance, you realize you’re in the presence of theatrical magic. It doesn’t happen often, and it takes a decidedly talented cast and crew to pull it off. Here in the Hudson Valley, we are fortunate that such is the case with Shadowland Stages’ current play, the New York premiere of “Darker the Night/ Brighter the Stars.” (DNBS)

The play is written and directed by Tony nominee John Cariani, who you might remember as having written “Almost, Maine,” (one of the most produced plays in the English language), as well as “Last Gas” and “LOVE/SICK.” 

While “Almost, Maine” takes place during a display of the Northern Lights, “DNBS” occurs during the Perseid meteor showers, and consists of six short plays about relationships, connections, friendship and love. The plays are accompanied by a prologue, two ‘interlogues’ and an epilogue.

“DNBS” features four young actors, each of whom have impressive backgrounds, as well as a history with this particular play. 

Hannah Daly plays Shay, Tiffany and Gwen; Aidan Lawrence portrays Teddy, Scott, and Casey; Emily Verla is Carly, Sam, Lily and Renee; and Shawn Denegre-Vaught performs as Jared, Marty, Marc and Derek. The episode titles are: It’s Official, Better, Light, Peace, Happy and Beauties.

It’s a huge tribute to their acting skills, as well as Cariani’s direction, that several audience members thought there were more than four actors. They looked different, they sounded different, they came across as different people. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what acting’s all about. 

In the play, Cariani gives us a taste of what it’s like to grow up in Presque Isle, Maine, that “beautiful part of the world and look up at a sky that is so much darker than the skies most Americans see.” In his playwright’s note, he tells us that the play is semi-autobiographical, and the characters are “just like the people I grew up with.” 

It’s a smart play, with sharp dialogue and complex relationships, some of which are happy, others not so much. It’s real life, and it’s enthralling. 

A play that takes place at night needs a first-rate lighting designer and crew, something which Shadowland Stages is fortunate to have in Lighting Designer Jeremy Johnson, Electricians Orrin Dow and David Wert, and Technical Director Peter Johnson. Picture a background of thousands of stars, darkness where it should be, but enough light to see the characters, combined with an innovative depiction of shooting stars. Just enchanting -- especially for those of us who missed last month’s Perseid meteor showers due to time and/or cloudy skies.

Sound design by Jeff Knapp adds to the feeling of being one with nature. 

And speaking of sound, congratulations to Shadowland Stages for installing a brand-new, state-of-the-art assistive listening system with an easy to work volume control. The sound was crisp and clean, and oh-so-welcome.

Bravo also to Stage Manager Aidan Countryman and Assistant Stage Manager Kat Collins for keeping the multi-scene play moving. 

The casting, directing, acting and technical elements, together with original music by Julian Fleisher (a frequent Cariani collaborator), combine to make “DNBS” a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience you won’t soon forget.  

“DNBS” is playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through September 14 on the Main Stage at Shadowland Stages, 157 Canal Street, Ellenville. You can buy your tickets online at shadowlandstages.org or call the box office at 845-647-5511.