Mary Jane
Manhattan Theatre Club
The Samuel J. Friedman
Theatre
June 6, 2024
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club
The Manhattan Theatre Club
production of Amy Herzog’s Mary Jane is tender, sad, and
enthralling. Ms. Herzog’s writing is
skillfully honest. Her characters are truthful. The relationships are bold and real. Director Anne Kauffman finds the even tempo
that is appropriate for the telling of this story. The characters, all women, have an ease about
them, which allows the audience to settle in and absorb the action. Except for Rachel McAdams, all the actors
play more than one role, filling the stage with maternal perspectives that illuminate
the themes of the play.
Mary Jane (played by
Rachel McAdams) is the single mother of a two year old boy, Alex, who is
severely disabled. He is non-verbal,
limited in his physical ability, and requires round the clock care. We meet one of his more reliable nurses,
Sherry (played by Brenda Wehle), who generously offers Mary Jane support and
advice that are above her job requirements.
When Alex has a series of seizures, he is taken to the hospital for an
extended stay. Mary Jane does not leave
his side, and unfortunately, loses her job.
Her love and dedication are unwavering.
After a number of weeks, Alex undergoes surgery. It is then we see how Mary Jane’s identity is
fully enmeshed in being the mother of this special needs child.
![]() |
Rachel McAdams as Mary Jane Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club |
The beauty of Ms. McAdams’ performance is in the unraveling of her character. In the first few scenes, we see her surface. She is outgoing, positive, and accepting. As the action progresses, we see her unsure, waiting. We sense her isolation. She is searching, reaching out for connection. In the final scene and final moment of the play, we see the truth of her character. It is afterwards that we realize that the optimism portrayed in the opening scenes was a mask. The choices Ms. McAdams made in those earlier scenes were purposeful and specific. They were stiff, awkward. A façade. The character’s core is revealed in the final scene. Her guard is down. She is comfortable facing herself. Her sadness and anxieties dissipate. Her revelation in the final moment is enlightening. This is a well-crafted performance.
Rachel McAdams & Susan Pourfar
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club
One of the most
well-written scenes in the play is the one between Mary Jane and Chaya (played by Susan
Pourfar), an Orthodox Jewish woman.
They meet in the hospital, and share their feelings about motherhood, faith, and
raising a child with severe disabilities.
It is honest and direct. The
characters both have a deep need for connection. They have no hesitation opening up and
trusting one another. This scene is
excellently written, masterfully directed, and genuinely performed.
Mary Jane has been extended through June 30. This play gives a visceral understanding of the depth of love inherent in motherhood. The entire cast (Rachel McAdams, Brenda Wehle, April Matthis, Susan Pourfar, and Lily Santiago) is superb.
Domenick Danza
No comments:
Post a Comment