The latest production produced by Audible titled “Swing State”, which has transferred from Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and is now playing at the Minetta Lane Theatre, is not really what the recognizable phrase in the title may imply. It does not focus on the present political great divide, even though playwright Rebecca Gilman touches on many current troubling themes including grief, suicide, climate change, gun control and mental health. Perhaps it may refer to how a “state of mind” may swing, as it reacts to situations that may affect a person’s well-being or change the course of one’s life. Ms. Gilman never preaches or solves any of the problems that arise from the forementioned themes but addresses them in a way that makes the audience aware they exist and how they can affect the quality of life. The dialogue is natural, with simple language that cuts to the root of the issue at hand with insight and clarity. It is a complex plot that only becomes clear when all the pieces are revealed and assembled to complete the intriguing and shocking story.

The first scene opens with Peg (a solid and stoic Mary Beth Fisher), who is cooking, when she suddenly takes a knife and aims it at her wrist, showing signs of despair. She has lost her husband, her soul mate, who had devotedly preserved the hilly prairie, which was their homestead, to save endangered species of native plants due to climate change and chemical pollution from farming fertilizers and crop growing. Enter next door neighbor, Ryan (an unsettled and vulnerable Bubba Weiler), who has just been released from incarceration and is a recovering alcoholic, who has trouble keeping a job. Trouble escalates when Ryan falls off the wagon and a chest of old tools and a shot gun are stolen from Peg’s barn. Local Sheriff Kris (a boastful, arrogant Kirsten Fitzgerald) obviously suspects Ryan, and pursues the matter against Peg’s wishes, clearly abusing the authority of her position. She is assisted by her niece Dani (an innocent and sincere Anne E. Thompson) who is a new rookie policeman. No spoiler alert here, but things do not go well.

This well-crafted play is deftly directed by Robert Falls, keeping a quick pace but never skirting over the issues that the playwright addresses. The first- rate cast understands the emotional twists and turns and delivers fine-tuned performances, never falling prey to stereotypes. Ms. Fisher gives us a complex matriarchal figure that cares for endangered species of plants and birds as well as wounded humans in need of attention and guidance. Bubba Weiler creates a troubled Ryan, filled with anguish, loneliness, and fear, earnestly trying to cope with alcoholism and failure. His pain and suffering is clearly shown through his sudden outbursts and manic behavior. Ms. Fitzgerald is spot on with her interpretation of a small-town Sheriff, ridged, tough, power hungry, by the book attitude, and single-minded. Anne E, Thompson creates a Dani that is empathetic, vulnerable, and filled with insecurities.

Scenic design by Todd Rosenthal depicts the interior of a home anywhere in middle America, with enough detail to communicate the personality of owner Peg. Costume designer Evelyn Danner capably captures time and place with comfortable rural, country attire that suits the characters personalities. Lighting by Eric Southern casts a solemn mood over the festivities that adds to the emotional turmoil. Perhaps the only problem that arises in the plot is the conclusion, which wraps things up too quickly and too neatly, diminishing the importance and impact of the themes addressed throughout the play. Regardless it is worth a trip to The Minetta Lane Theatre for an evening of good theatre, great acting and excellent production values.