We have all experienced and been
baffled by love in some of its many manifestations. It is the
subject of rumination in countless lofty poems, sad songs and
riveting novels. And yet, it remains a mystery. What is it
exactly? How and why does it start or end for that matter?
The Boulevard Theatre opened its 25th season with four
short plays, all of which deal with some aspects of this
complex subject.
"The Red Coat" by John Patrick Stanley and
directed by Paul Matthew Madden, takes a look at the power of
that first infatuation. A young boy waits outside a teenage
party for his "true love" to happen by. He is
consumed by the force of his attraction for her. She is wary
but interested as their conversation progresses toward some
point of connection. Keigan Vannoy and Hugh Blewett capture
their poignant innocence.
My personal favorite was the second play. It involves a
married couple who are reading the newspaper over the
breakfast table. "Dead Right" by Elaine Jarvik and
also directed by Madden, explores a spat that is spawned by an
obit of one of Penny's friends, a write-up that upsets Penny.
In their ensuing discussion of obits and what they should or
need not mention, we begin to spot the strengths and
weaknesses of their relationship. Barbara Weber and Mark
Ninneman aced the roles, providing us with humorous insights.
"Sure Thing" by David Ives and directed by Thomas
Mertz-Dillon, tackles the tricky subject of beginnings, that
first crucial conversation between strangers. Ives plays with
different lines and their consequences. A coffee shop, a man
reading a book, an empty chair and all kinds of possibilities.
Brooke Wegner and Ken Dillon do the honors in this one.
After an intermission, a longer one-act play by the
renowned Harold Pinter and directed by Mark Bucher takes the
stage and holds us intrigued. A distinguished, educated,
liberal couple in their 30s shares their thoughts and feelings
about marriage and infidelity. There are four presences in the
play - a husband, a wife, a lover and a whore. Erika Wade and
Jason Will met the challenge of their demanding roles. They
didn't miss a beat, nor did the creative playwright.
This was a good choice for an opener to the new season.
Each offering makes its contribution to a lovely evening of
entertainment.
The series, "Fourplay," runs for six weeks
through Sept. 5. Call 414-744-5757 for times and tickets. The
Boulevard is a bargain and the small miracle on S.
Kinnickinnic Avenue that keeps on giving.
