Theater: “On That Day in Amsterdam”, Primary Stages at 59 e 59

So pleasant to tour Amsterdam without having to dig out a passport. This is only possible, mind you, if you see “On That Day in Amsterdam,” Clarence Coo’s wistful, timely drama currently in previews at 59 e 59.

Sammy (Ahmad Maksoud) and Kevin (Glenn Morizio) are two young men who meet cute in an Amsterdam disco one night, and shortly thereafter hook up. Come morning, Kevin wants to bolt for the airport (he’s got a flight to London) but Sammy convinces him to stay and tour the city with him. Throughout the one day they spend together, they reveal bits about themselves.

Sammy is an undocumented refugee from Syria, attempting to make his way to a job in the UK. He marvels at the wonders of a city like Amsterdam filled with treasure troves of art—and at Kevin’s “freedom” to easily cross borders and continue his college education. Kevin, the son of a Filipino mother who is herself undocumented, wonders about what he will leave behind that will equal the greatness of what he and Sammy see in the Rijksmuseum.

While both actors are terrific, Maksoud is a standout; you may have seen him last fall in “The Visitor” at the Public Theater. It’s actually wonderful to watch him tear up as his character recalls his wretched existence as a child in war torn Syria. Wonderful insights about life, liberty and the pursuit of a personal legacy. Bravo to the cast of OTDIA, which is brought to you by Primary Stages at 59 e 59. And thanks for the tour of Amsterdam.