Courtesy Photo From left, Tyler Wolfrom, Kendra Neumann, and Morgan Suszek star in "The Lifespan of a Fact" by Fireside Theatrics, at Alpena Civic Theatre.

ALPENA — Fireside Theatrics’ debut performance in Alpena, “The Lifespan of a Fact,” sheds light on several serious topics — journalistic integrity and suicide.

In the three-actor play, Kendra Neumann plays fiercely smart and strong editor Emily Penrose, Morgan Suszek plays fact-checker and recent Harvard grad Jim Fingal, and Tyler Wolfrom plays hard-headed but highly talented creative writer John D’Agata.

Deadlines, pressure, urgency, and quality collide in this fast-paced glimpse into a prominent but struggling New York magazine’s quest for the story that will save the publication, but that finicky line between truth and embellishment keeps rearing its ugly head.

Portraying arrogant (for good reason) essayist D’Agata, Wolfrom takes on the role with tenacity, and you can feel his contempt for criticism, especially from a fresh-out-of-college neurotic go-getter, whom Suszek embodies beautifully. The tension is high, and Neumann, as Penrose, is the only one who can boss these two stubborn guys into focusing on the point — get the story as right as you can with the information you have, and still meet the deadline.

The article, or essay, as D’Agata much prefers to call it, centers around the suicide of a teen who jumped from a building in Las Vegas. The story is about who he was and what made him do it, but there is so much deeper meaning to it that only D’Agata’s writing can convey, he asserts. Fingal would prefer to stick to the facts, but without Penrose’s practical advice and journalistic knowledge, the boys would be at odds well past deadline, and possibly forever.

All three actors do an absolutely stunning job of portraying the essence of their characters. Playgoers will likely forget they are at Alpena Civic Theatre, and instead be transported into the New York office and Las Vegas home in which the play is set. It is a truly captivating performance that will not only appease your desire for live entertainment, but also get you pondering ethical and existential questions.

“Bravo!” It’s too small a word for how well this play is done by Fireside Theatrics.

The best part is that by attending, you will also be supporting drama students at Alpena High School, as all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Masquers Club.

“The Lifespan of a Fact” is by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrell. It is based on the book by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal.

Crew members include Bryan Ghekiere, lighting designer and board operator, Christine Elowski, stage manager, Adam Neumann on projections, Grace Hoeft as scenic painter, and Tait Ball as stage crew.

Sponsors include Black Sheep Pub, Latitudes Tavern, PIF Cider, the Poetics Lab, Industrious Obscura, and C & D Productions.

Shows continue today through Sunday, with evening performances at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday, and a final 2 p.m. matinee, followed by a Fireside Chat question and answer session with the cast after the show, around 4 p.m. Tickets are just $10 each, general admission. Call the ACT box office at 989-354-3624. Alpena Civic Theatre is located at 401 River St., Alpena.

Reach News Community Editor Darby Hinkley at 989-358-5691 or dhinkley@TheAlpenaNews.com.