If Ryan J. Haddad‘s script for “Hold Me In The Water” were any more spare, it would disappear. As a matter of fact, this enchanting piece already does that. This is a master class in turning a story into magic.A sense of precision runs through this production from the tippity-top where Haddad emerges from out of nowhere to the final graceful denouement where he returns whence he came. In between, Haddad holds us in the palm of his hand. He is a gentle guide, beginning with his description of a “Relaxed Performance.”That means a few things. The house lights are dim but not fully out. Please feel free to come and go as you need; you will always be allowed re-entry. FYI all of the performances at Playwrights are Relaxed. Haddad is a champion for people with special needs. He is one himself. This is obvious as he is standing with the aid of a walker (reverse posture-control walker to be precise). Haddad describes everything we see on the stage, costume, set, lighting, and every word he says is projected on the screen above the stage. Thus, he accommodates audience members who may have visual or hearing needs. (ASL interpreters are referenced in the script.) Once the technicalities are dispatched, we enter into his love story.So it’s a love story—big deal. However, because of Haddad’s focus and timing, it IS a big deal. It is an enormous, gigantic deal. He moves slowly about the stage, not only because that is his natural rhythm, but because he wants to lay out the pieces of his story like breadcrumbs on a path. We will be retracing these steps, but at the moment of the telling, we do not realize it. Haddad keeps us focused on the elements of the story, on the boy, sometimes referred to as a man, on how the meeting happened almost by chance – except for the fact that Haddad’s sights were set early on. And of course,e there is that water bit.The story unfolds like a lotus blossom. One petal at a time. And the roots go deep. Things are on again and off again and on and off, and so on and so forth. The moments together are intense and at times very, very intimate. Haddad’s delivery is steady with an undertone of thrilling. What will happen? And when will it happen? The tale stretches out over a year, and each date is a meticulous note in the story.Did it work out? I cannot tell you, and shame on anyone who does. What does work out is the joy of the journey. I know that sounds like a load of horse hockey, but in this case, it is true.Haddad understands the unspoken promise that every actor makes. “You can trust your heart to be safe with me,” actors tell their listeners, “Because I have already given my heart to you, whether or not you want it.” This exchange happens seamlessly, as it should, and when Haddad disappears at the story’s end, we realize that the hearts have been returned to their owners with just a small piece left behind. We are all richer than when we arrived.Not for nothing, but I had never heard of Haddad before this show. I am in the minority. Haddad has an astonishing theatrical resume and enthusiastic followers who make the performance feel like a reunion. And KUDOS to the design team for making the magic appear in three dimensions – specifically, dots and Cha See.Treat yourself to this show.Hold Me in the Water, Written and performed by Ryan J. Haddad, Directed by Danny SharronThe creative team includes dots (Scenic Design), Beth Goldenberg (Costume Designer), Cha See (Lighting Designer), Tosin Olufolabi (Sound Designer), and Alison Kopit(Access Dramaturg).At Playwrights Horizons TICKETS HERE RELATED https://youtu.be/mH9kYn4L8TI?si=8le_8p9qg9xFzeX5 Read the full article