Legacy of Light by Karen Zacarias is now on stage at the Matthews Theatre at the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey, until April 6, 2025.

Legacy of Light was last seen locally at People’s Light in 2010. It was first presented at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., in 2009.

The plot is encircled by the lives of two women, both scientists, one of whom is Lady Emilie du Chatelet (Lenne Klingaman) in the 18th century, and Olivia (Kimberly Chatterjee), a physicist in the 21st century. Both are preoccupied with their scientific studies, and motherhood. 

The French noblewoman is having an affair with a much younger nobleman, not her husband, and becomes pregnant with his child. At age 42, she is concerned that she nearly died when in childbirth when younger. Thoughts of dying in childbirth become a race for her to publish her astrophysical studies while she still lives. Voltaire (Allen Gilmore) is the friend and extra lover who spices up the dialogue, and provides petulant bon mots to liven proceedings. Meanwhile, Olivia is currently self-absorbed with her cosmic studies, and thoughts of engaging a young surrogate to have her and husband Peter’s (Zack Fine) child, which her cancer prevents her from having herself. Olivia is also publishing her finding a new planet being born.

We meet Peter who has assumed homemaking duties, supporting Olivia’s life, and grocery shopping, since Olivia could not be bothered with such mundane chores. He also teaches young children as his day job. Peter seems to have been coerced into the surrogacy scheme his wife plans, perhaps bristling at juggling homemaking, chores, and work with childcare. Olivia is often so self-absorbed as to be chronically late, or to forget where she should be at any given time. She depends upon her husband to remind her.

She settles upon the pert, optimistic Millie (Gina Fonseca), who desires to birth Olivia’s and Peter’s child for the money to study fashion in Paris. This idea shocks and appalls her husband Lewis (Trey Luna). They have a young child, Emilie is a student, and they have a house to support, which Emilie has decided should be sold, so as to free them to move to Paris for her to live her dream. 

Complex and heady stuff. But there is much, much more in this two-hour drama. The two headstrong protagonists of course get their way, and the weak men they chose to be around can only offer petulant pleas peppered with occasional violent outbursts with other men. Women in the audience cheered and laughed when not once, but twice, were men punched in the nose since frustration made them explode.

The creative team were true stars. Scenic Designer Andrew Boyce used chandeliers to represent pre-Revolutionary France, while lamps signaled today. The fabulous cosmic tree appearing near the end was a welcome sight. The beautiful costumes by Raquel Adorno were often breathtaking. Alicia Rodis served dual duties as both Intimacy and Fight Coordinator. Lisa Anne Porter was Dialect and Vocal coach. Sarah Rasmussen directed.

Legacy of Light was preceded by Pride Night at the McCarter, and a more heterogeneous audience was in attendance. The audience warmly acclaimed the actors and all involved.

The McCarter season continues with Music, Dance, and a variety of entertainment. 

For information, visit www.mccarter.org .