02 Dec Review: Contra Costa College Play Explores What It Means to Truly Connect in a Digital Age

In a play with shows at Contra Costa College this Friday through Sunday, this bench encourages characters to connect in a variety of settings. (David Padilla)

Review, David Padilla

To close out 2025, the Contra Costa College Drama Department is hosting “Ten Minutes on a Bench,” a heartfelt comedy that examines the ways people seek connection in a fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Written by New York playwright Kenneth Jones and directed by Amy Penney, the play centers on a fictional dating service, for which the play is named, where singles meet on a nearby bench to have a face-to-face conversation. Over the course of the play, audience members are transported across 17 unrelated scenes and introduced to 35 characters.

At its core, the play highlights the need for authentic human connection. Characters of all ages confront the pressure of first impressions, the fear of revealing their true selves, and the assumptions we make about others. Even brief conversations twist in unexpected ways, revealing humor, vulnerability, and the sparks that make human interaction both meaningful and complicated. In a world where technology often replaces face-to-face encounters, these moments on the bench remind us that real connection grows out of showing up fully and allowing ourselves to engage honestly with others.

Special recognition goes to the 15 cast members whose performances make each of the characters shine. Throughout the play, audience members laughed, gasped and took in its more serious moments. Performances such as Victoria Zaragoza as Audrey and Will Parsley as Dave brought characters to life, portraying their roles in memorable ways. Meanwhile, Victoria Rynning’s performance as Mary conveyed emotional depth, making the on-stage conversation vivid and powerful.

Set design plays a central role in shaping the play, with audience members seated on three sides of the stage. After each scene, the bench is moved to a new location, helping transport viewers from one setting to the next. Thoughtful sound design by Lauryn Brooks Williams and costume design by Ralph Hoy bring each scene to life.

The play’s message arrives at a timely moment. Despite technology making it easier to connect with others, loneliness and social isolation remain a growing concern. In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general identified loneliness and social isolation as a widespread public health concern. In Contra Costa County, one in three adults reports feeling socially isolated, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At a time when many feel disconnected and alone, the play highlights the courage it takes to step outside of your comfort zone and be truly present with another person. Even short, imperfect exchanges can reveal the ways we connect with, misunderstand and surprise one another. It is through these bench encounters that audience members are able to reflect on their own relationships, fears and the moments of humor, warmth and insight that make connection worthwhile.

“Ten Minutes on a Bench” is a lively and engaging production that brings warmth, playfulness and sincerity to the stage. Don’t miss your chance to see the final three showings at Contra Costa College from Dec. 5-7. Student tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door; general tickets, $20 online and $25 at the door. Learn more at www.ccctheatrelive.com.