Fade

Fade

Primary Stages

Cherry Lane Theatre

January 28, 2017

Photo courtesy of Primary Stages

The Primary Stages' production of Tanya Saracho’s Fade is presently playing at the Cherry Lane Theatre.  Ms. Saracho’s script is skillfully crafted with strong dramatic action that builds to a startling ending.  At first the play makes a strong social statement about the need for Latinos to stay bonded in our present political environment.  Then it grows into a story of friendship, professional achievement, and duplicity.  Jerry Ruiz directs with clear vision, allowing this two character play to feel large and effectively communicate on multiple levels. 

When Chicago Novelist, Lucia (played by Annie Dow), takes a job in LA writing for a network TV show, she finds herself over her head and alone.  She befriends Abel (played by Eddie Martinez), a custodian at the studio offices.  Lucia thinks they have a lot in common because of their shared Mexican heritage, but Abel knows better.  They gradually become close, only to find how they truly are from different worlds.

Eddie Martinez and Annie Dow
Photo courtesy of Primary Stages

Annie Dow is extroverted and determined as Lucia.  Her character is comfortable with herself and eager to succeed.  She is an open book and easily talks about her worries and concerns.  Eddie Martinez plays Abel as guarded and private.  His character is sincere and knowledgeable of how he fits into his surroundings.  When he open up and reveals himself, it is with cautious trepidation.  His character’s growth is evident in the trust he builds with Lucia.  The arc of Lucia’s character is in how willing she becomes to achieve her professional goals at the expense of others.

Ms. Saracho juxtaposes her characters with skill and care, making a statement that affects the audience on a deep level.  The two actors’ portrayals ring true.  They keep the audience riveted throughout the action of the play, making you wonder what will happen next.

Playwright Tanya Saracho at the Cherry Lane Theatre
Photo courtesy of Primary Stages

The word “fade” has numerous definitions   The Miriam-Webster definition is to lose freshness, strength, or vitality.  In the Urban Dictionary is means to insult someone with blatant disregard for their feelings.  If you “fade” a gang member, you are decreasing the number of members in their gang and effectively “fading” their color.  In movies and television, “fade” means to gradually increase or decrease the visibility of a scene.  It can also mean (as in Guys & Dolls) to cover a crapshooter’s bet, or bet that the shooter will lose.  These numerous definitions are all thematically evident in Ms. Saracho’s writing, Mr. Ruiz’s direction, and Mr. Martinez and Ms. Dow’s performances.

Fade is playing at the Cherry Lane Theatre through March 5.  It is a strong production and well worth seeing.

Domenick Danza