The End of Longing

The End of Longing

MCC Theater

Lucille Lortel Theater

May 27, 2017

Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

Matthew Perry is starring in The End of Longing, a play he also wrote, at the Lucille Lortel Theater.  He portrays an alcoholic character lost in fear and anxiety who struggles to face the truth and build a life of happiness.  As dark as the subject matter sounds, the play is written with the kind of witty banter expected from Mr. Perry.  His role is very different from his television characters.  His physical characterizations and vocal intonations are well crafted and genuine.  The audience cares for his character and roots for his success.

Jack (played by Matthew Perry) meets Stephanie (played by Jennifer Morrison) and Stevie (played by Sue Jean Kim) in a bar while waiting for his friend Jeffrey (played by Quincy Dunn-Baker).  Stevie has been neurotically texting a man she hooked up with, who, coincidentally, turns out to be Jeffery.  This gives Jack the perfect opportunity to connect with Stephanie, who is totally turned off by his brassy charm.  They end up spending the night and subsequently develop a close relationship.  This leads them both to face the uncertainty of their emotional ineptitudes.

Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

All four actors are great in their roles.  They create multidimensional characters who stumble and struggle to achieve their goals.  It is the relationships that make it possible for these characters to see their way through, yet, as good as these actors are, the chemistry between them is lacking.  There are a few bold turn of events in Mr. Perry’s play that lead the characters to self-realization.   The reasons for these events are not always justified in dramatic action.  The journey of the characters is clearly mapped out.  This play is about human connection and how it can transform lives.  Although engaging, the story is not viscerally experienced.

Derek McLane’s scenic design is spectacular.  The walls are decorated with empty bottles that serve numerous representations.  The turntable spins the set quickly to keep the action flowing at the pace the play requires.

Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

MCC Theater’s production of The End of Longing runs at the Lucille Lortel Theater through July 1.  If you are a Matthew Perry and Jennifer Morrison fan (from TV’s Once Upon a Time and House), go see this show.  You will definitely enjoy their performances.

Domenick Danza

The Layover

The Layover

Second Stage Theatre

Tony Kiser Theatre

August 21, 2016

Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theatre

The Layover is a thought provoking play presently running at Second Stage Theatre.  Director Tripp Cullman focuses the actors on creating strong, realistic relationships that ring true and evoke empathy.  Leslye Headland's script is well structured, full of unexpected turns, and driven by clear, crisp dialogue. 

Shellie (played by Annie Parisse) and Dex (played by Adam Rothenberg) meet on a flight from Chicago to New York.  When the flight is cancelled and passengers are put up in the airport Marriott, they have a one night stand before going back to their normal lives.  They are both unable to get the other one out of their thoughts.  Finally, one of them hires a private investigator to track the other one down, and finds that everything that was said was a lie.

Adam Rothenberg & Annie Parisse
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theatre

The scenic design, by Mark Wendland, stylistically divides the expansive space of the Tony Kiser Theatre to allow concentrated focus during the more intimate scenes.  He also splits the space so that scenes in separate locations can be delivered simultaneously.  Mr. Cullman effectively stages these parallel scenes so the characters can stare at each other across time and distance.  This heightens the theme of how certain experiences stay alive in our minds for extended periods of time.  This premise is explored through the point of view of the two main characters and Shellie’s father (played by John Procaccino).  The theme is strong, relatable, and prolifically expressed.  It is further enhanced through lighting design by Japhy Weideman and video design by Jeff Sugg.

Amelia Workman, Quincy Dunn-Baker,
Arica Himmel, & John Procaccino
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theatre

The chemistry between Annie Parisse and Adam Rothenberg is palpable and visceral.  Both actors hook you in scene one, and skillfully transition your attention as the deeper layers of their characters are revealed.  There are also strong performance from John Procaccino, Amelia Workman, Quincy Dunn-Baker, and Arica Himmel.

The Layover is running at Second Stage Theatre through September.  The ending has some mystery and provides discussion of the characters’ true motivations and sense of reality.  See it with a friend and prepare for an in depth conversation afterwards.

Domenick Danza