In the current play at Shadowland, the “Proof” is not in the pudding, it’s in the brilliant directing by Artistic Director Brendan Burke, the superb acting by Éilis Cahill as Catherine, Steve Brady as Robert, Rudy Galvan as Hal and Carolyn Holding as Claire. It’s also in the gorgeous set designed by Burke and Peter Johnson, the mood-setting lighting by Jeremy Johnson and the crystal-clear sound design by Dean Mahoney. Sincere praise as well to the rest of the crew for bringing it all together. 

“Proof” is a Pulitzer Prize winning play written in 2000 by David Auburn. Several other awards came the following year, including the Drama Desk Award for Best New Play, and three Tony Awards for Best Play, Best Actress and Best Direction.

The play revolves around Catherine, the 25-year-old daughter of mathematical scholar and University of Chicago professor Robert who is recently deceased. She’s been his caretaker for quite some time as he began suffering from mental illness at quite an early age. Following Robert’s passing, Hal, one of Robert’s former graduate students shows up to go through the professor’s multitude of papers and notebooks to see if there’s anything worth publishing. He finds a lengthy hypothetical proof about prime numbers. And therein lies the premise of the play (as well as the title) – was Robert capable during his mental decline of writing such a scholarly work? Or did someone else work on it? 

Is Catherine herself teetering on the edge of mental illness? The very first scene has her arguing with her dead father. 

Along comes her sister Claire, all the way from New York City. Claire, realizing something isn’t quite right with her sister, wants Catherine to move to New York City and maybe even seek professional help for her instability. 

Through flashbacks we see more about Catherine’s relationship with her father, his decline, her caregiving, and we are also informed regarding Hal’s relationship with his professor. 

It’s a captivating story told with great feeling and solid acting.  

Éilis Cahill’s Catherine is clearly exhausted from caregiving. She is perfectly cast as a giving but frustrated, devoted daughter, who adores her father. Her worry is palpable, and the audience grieves with her, not only for the loss of her father, but also for her fear that she’s inherited his instability along with his brilliance. 

As Hal, Rudy Galvan is, at first, timid in the flashbacks, but then exhibits solid confidence that he will be able to interpret Robert’s mathematical theories. Galvan plays Hal with obvious fondness for his teacher. He’s  eager to solve a mystery, and in doing so develops an affection for his professor’s daughter. 

Carolyn Holding’s Claire is the character you love to hate. Her physicality demands respect. She is a commanding presence during heated arguments with her younger sister. Pushy, heavy handed and bossy. And even though Claire is well-meaning, Holding’s superb acting makes it hard to like her character, and that is exactly how it should be. Brava!

It’s delightful to see Steve Brady on stage again, this time as genius, yet delusional Robert. Brady has previously charmed Shadowland’s audiences in “Yankee Tavern,” “The Seafarer” and “Bill W. and Dr. Bob.” His usual warmth comes shining through, which makes it easy to forgive Robert’s anger and frustration. His illness in Brady’s steady hands, does not lessen his likability, but invokes compassion for the brilliant intellectual he once was. 

Word is that “Proof” is scheduled for a Broadway revival to open April 2026. But there is no need to wait that long to see this superb, well-written, well-directed, well-acted, riveting show. Make reservations now for this fine production at Shadowland Stages, 157 Canal Street in Ellenville. 

“Proof” is playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. through October 26. According to Shadowland’s website (shadowlandstages.org) an extra performance has been added on Wednesday October 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Call the box office at 845-647-5511 or purchase tickets on the website.