Hadrian's Wall

Reclusive archaeologist Ramona (Laura Siner) has been safeguarding a stolen artifact for her mentor for 15 years. Things get messy when Ramona’s new lover, university student Amy (Rebecca White), is forced to become an informant for the authorities who are looking for said mysterious object. Throw in the skull of a baby triceratops (dubbed "Chuck") and Ramona's jealous ex-lover, David (Eric Rolland), and you have an intriguing if not particularly exciting drama. Although Dani Vetere’s play seems like it would be structured and focused, its 90 minutes meander in too many directions, and it fails to reach a resonant climax. But the performances are solid—even if Ramona and Amy’s love scenes come across as mechanical and tentative. Cautious restraint might work for a prehistoric dig, but not for credible onstage romance. (Visit fringenyc.org for more information.)—Michael Torres