Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas presents Ada & the Engine

by Lauren Gunderson

Directed by Raven Lawes

Choreographed by Dutchess Gutierrez

Administrative Producer

Evelyn G. Hall

Technical Producer Master Carpenter

Steven Merritt

Stage Manager

Rayven Harris

Scenic Designer

Ellen Doyle Mizener

Lighting Designer

Mia Lindermann

Costume Designer

Michael A. Robinson Dallas Costume Shop

Props Designer

Meredith Weldon Butterfield

Set Dresser

Bruce R. Coleman

Sound Designer

Ryan Brazil

Asst Stage Manager

Dorothy Jolly

Starring

Cheyenne Haynes

Ivy Opdyke

Melissa Crouch

Stephen Miller

Leon Watson II

Lionel Gonzalez

“Numbers never lie, leave, or die.” Ada Byron Lovelace

My thoughts on Ada & the Engine or …numbers even an English major can love

Lauren Gunderson’s Ada & the Engine is not a typical dramatic play. It is more of a fascinating character study of the brilliant mind and short life of Ada Byron Lovelace. Ada, who possesses astounding mathematical knowledge, is at odds with the Victorian society in which she lives. She is always restricted by the social demands of the era and a mother who tries to enforce the rules a “good girl” should follow. Her life is further complicated by being the daughter of the “scandalous” poet Lord Byron, who abandoned Ada and her mother. It is her mother that tries to suppress Ada’s romantic nature and push her toward math and science. Ada, however, loves poetry and music and sees the connection between music and numbers. Into Ada’s life comes her soulmate Chales Babbage, also a mathematician/scientist/inventor, who has constructed a “machine” for calculating that is the prototype of the computer. It is the conversations, arguments, and sexual tension between Ada and Charles that provide the real drama here. It is a clash between hardware and software if you will.

Ada & the Engine is impeccably staged by Director Raven Lawes who makes this mostly cerebral play engrossing through timing, stage movement, and flawless casting. The set by Ellen Doyle Mizener and costumes by Michael A. Robinson capture the feel of Victorian England splendidly. I particularly admired Mia Lindermann’s lighting which made the scenes vivid and her use of projections which represent the gears and cogs in the minds of Ada and Charles, the “machine” and the burgeoning Industrial Revolution.

The cast for Ada & the Engine is superior and makes for an enthralling evening of theater. Melissa Crouch has a brief, but impressive, role as Mary Sommerville, a prominent science writer, who is a friend to Charles Babbage and admired by Ada. Crouch makes Sommerville an amiable, appealing character who has no qualms about advising and admonishing Charles.

Leon Watson II is Lord Byron whose appearances bookend the play, Watson brings great presence and charm to the poet who never knew the achievements of his daughter.

Lionel Gonzalez is Ada’s husband, Lord Lovelace. Gonzalez adeptly inhabits the character who transitions from an eager young suitor to a dutiful, and, eventually, grieving husband.

Ivy Opdyke appears as Lady Annabella Byron. Lady Byron would be an easy character to dislike as she tries to force her daughter into the mold of Victorian womanhood and to protect her reputation. However, the skillful Opdyke lets a bit of vulnerability show beneath the sternness of Lady Byron, which brings humanity to the character and some sympathy for her situation and actions.

Charles Babbage is played by the remarkable Stephen Miller. I’m always captivated by performers who can make me feel as if I can see into their minds and every thought, every question, every emotion was apparent on Miller’s face. The anguish Babbage feels over his attraction to Ada and his devastation by her illness are mini master classes in acting by Miller.

In the central role of Ada Byron Lovelace, Cheyenne Haynes more than delivers the vivacity and range of emotions this demanding role requires. Haynes seems to be everywhere at once and the brilliance of Ada shines through in her performance. Haynes makes the audience feel the excitement that Ada felt sharing her theories and making the connections that led to Ada Byron Lovelace becoming the “first computer programmer.” Brava indeed.

Ada & the Engine surprised me. I knew nothing about the play or Ada Byron Lovelace before going, but I left the theater enlightened and completely entertained. Brave the cold and go spend an evening with Charles and Ada. It’s a visit you won’t forget.