The Perplexed

The Perplexed

Manhattan Theatre Club

New York City Center Stage I

February 15, 2019

Photo courtesy of Manhattam Theatre Club

“Two households, both alike in dignity… from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean… From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-cross’d lovers…”  Those well-known opening lines from William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet are the premise for Richard Greenberg’s play The Perplexed.  He uses this classic conflict to unearth two families’ dark pasts on the day of their children’s wedding.  The Manhattan Theatre Club production brings together a stellar cast who deliver laughs and poignant moments.  This supposedly happy occasion starts an unraveling of secrets that quickly gets out of control.

It is the wedding day of Isabelle (played by Tess Frazer) and Caleb (played by JD Taylor).  They were best friends as toddlers, then a chance meeting on a subway platform reunited them and started their romance.  The wedding is an elaborate affair taking place at Isabelle’s grandfather’s 5^th Avenue home, which includes a golden ballroom that can host a large crowd of people neither Isabelle nor Caleb have ever met.  Isabelle’s mother, Evy (played by Margaret Colin), is not too happy about the wedding.  There is a history of bad blood between her and Caleb’s mother, Natalie (played by Ilana Levine).  The focus of the day shifts when Isabelle’s brother, Micah (played by Zane Pais), is outed as a porn star.  His father, Joseph (played by Frank Wood), is distant with his son over this issue.  When long-kept family secrets are revealed, a strong bond between father and son is created.  A chance for this couple’s happiness emerges when Caleb steps up and takes action in an unconventional manner.

Tess Frazer & JD Taylor
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Cluc

Truthful moments rise to the surface amid the sarcastic humor, roller coaster of emotions, and underlying family pressure.  Mr. Greenberg skillfully crafts these in his writing, and Director Lynne Meadow successfully focuses the audience’s attention on them.  These scenes are memorable, honest, and, at times, heartbreaking.  Frank Wood is captivating in these moments.   His portrayal of Joseph, father of the bride, is riveting.  He recounts his emotional abuse at the hand of his father, then takes a stand, something he has never been able to do before.  Margaret Colin is commanding as Evy, mother of the bride.  Her characters creates the through line of action for the play, and Ms. Colin does a masterful job of maintaining the audience’s attention and admiration.  There are also strong performances from Patrick Breen and Eric William Morris.

The scenic design by Santo Loquasto stunningly depicts the extravagant library of a wealthy 5^th Avenue residence with secret nooks for eavesdropping, which are used to advance the intrigue.  The Perplexed is playing at New York City Center Stage I through March 29.

Domenick Danza

Sunday

Sunday

Atlantic Theater Company

Linda Gross Theater

September 7, 2019

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Jack Thorne’s new play, Sunday, commissioned by Atlantic Theater Company, is an intimate exploration of the powerful moments that define a person’s life.  It is a character driven story with a clear and valuable message.  The six characters are well developed and clearly defined.  The relationships continually feed the conflict, which leads to introspective moments that pull the story forward.  The cast is keenly connected and all deliver crisp and potent performances. 

Juliana Canfield, Sadie Scott, Zane Pais, & Ruby Frankel
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Marie (played by Sadie Scott) is on the phone with her mother while waiting for her roommate, Jill (played by Juliana Canfield), to get home.  It is Sunday, their book group night.  Marie’s downstairs neighbor, Bill (played by Maurice Jones), asks Marie to not play the music too loud because he has to get up early for work.  Jill returns with the vodka and snacks for the meeting, and the rest of the group descends upon the apartment.  They are discussing Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler.  Keith (played by Christian Strange) continually takes the conversation off topic.  Alice (played by Ruby Frankel) strains to bring it back into focus.  Milo (played by Zane Pais) gets inappropriate with Marie, but Jill keeps him from getting out of hand.  The evening’s conversation continually gets personal and is filled with animosity.  After everyone leaves, Marie finds herself alone and unsettled.  Her downstairs neighbor, Bill, hears her pacing the floor, and knocks on her door.  Their conversation turns deeper than either of them expects. 

Ruby Frankel in rehearsal
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The character of Alice narrates throughout the play.  The brilliance of this choice by Mr. Thorne is skillfully followed through by Director Lee Sunday Evans by keeping Alice aloof in how she relates to the other characters.  She is more than just a narrator.  She is an observer.  Her insights come from her first hand knowledge of the characters and their experiences, and propel the story deeper into their emotional state and motivating impulses.  Ruby Frankel’s portrayal of Alice brings depth and vitality to the story.

Sadie Scott in rehearsal
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The scene between Marie and her downstairs neighbor, Bill, after the book group members leave the apartment, is monumental.  Mr. Thorne takes huge risks with these two characters in their interaction.  Each one has a valuable payoff.  The scene builds and falls, then builds again, taking the play to a stunning conclusion.  Sadie Scott and Maurice Jones are genuinely vulnerable in this scene.

Jack Thorne has written a uniquely structured, thought provoking, and intriguing play.  Sunday is playing at the Linda Gross Theater though October 13.  See it with a friend.  An intense discussion is sure to follow.       

Domenick Danza