Fresh Mountain Air is a story that resonates with young American generation of today. The story of what was supposed to be an enjoyable few days of nature bliss turns into conflict and hostile behaviour where the use of guns, racism, politics and the deep divisions affecting all of us is at play.
Fresh Mountain Air is written by Michael Eichler, a Buffalo, NY born playwright living in San Diego, and it explores the complexities of the human spirit. The plot revolves around three central figures: a schoolteacher with a poor upbringing, an educated lawyer that struggles to make her mark in a male dominated world and a community worker that is trying to be good and change the world.
These three young American women meet for the first time in a secluded but beautifully cosy cabin in the woods a long distance away from any town, where they plan to spend few days making friends, enjoying nature and taking long hikes. The audience is immediately immersed in the personal intimacy of the characters and their personal and emotional landscapes that is put to the test as the story unfolds. They return from their first hike to find the innkeeper and their three rental cars gone. It is getting dark, the nearest town is twenty miles away and there is no internet or phone service. Their only contact with the outside world is through a radio where they hear about a prison break from a nearby maximum security facility and as they panic and stress about what they should do, they also discover a gun in the drawer.
The play’s pacing is gentle, allowing for reflection between moments of tension, which makes the emotional shifts all the more powerful when they occur. The performances feel deeply rooted in the characters’ internal struggles, adding layers of complexity to what might otherwise be a straightforward narrative. Kayla (Julia Thurston) is thoughtful and balanced in her judgements while Leslie (Olivia Cordell) is quick to judge and label and always jumps to the wrong conclusions. Alyssa (Juliana Galassi) on the other hand comes across as weak and vulnerable, yet she is the only one that holds the gun and knows how to use it.
There are moments of tension and conflict, but the overall tone is one of quiet optimism leaving the audience with a sense of hope. Fresh Mountain Air is about a young person’s need to connect, both with others and with the natural world. The play’s slow, deliberate pacing may not be for everyone, but for those willing to take the journey with the characters, it offers a rich, rewarding experience that stays with you long after the final curtain call.
Fresh Mountain Air By Michael Eichler is The Drayton Arms Theatre until 18 January 2025. Ticket prices £16 and £12. More information and booking here. For our selection of London theatre and performing arts shows for children and families please visit our shows page.
