Theater Review: ‘Picked’

NEW YORK—In Christopher Shinn’s new play “Picked, "when a young actor is “picked” to star in an upcoming independent film, he comes to wish he hadn’t been.

Relative newcomer Kevin (Michael Stahl-David) has been seen in a few small roles by director John (Mark Blum), and John has been favorably impressed. So when John offers Kevin the leading role in his film, Kevin feels that this is the chance of a lifetime. Their initial conversations are warm and inviting. However, in further conversations, John appears to throw Kevin a “curve,” always keeping him somehow off-base, and the younger man begins to lose confidence.

A major blow comes when John informs Kevin that another young man is to be cast in the movie, in another role. This is Nick (Tom Lipinski), a likable young fellow. John insists that Nick is in no way competing with Kevin; nevertheless Kevin becomes more and more uncomfortable.

There’s another fly in the ointment: Kevin has a girlfriend, Jen (Liz Stauber), also an actor, but she’s been out of work for some time. John suggests that she may not be the best companion for a young up-and-comer like Kevin promises to be. Perhaps she will drag Kevin down.

In a funny and sad scene, Kevin is interviewed on camera by a Casting Director (Donna Hanover). In spite of her efforts to draw Kevin out, he is notably unforthcoming. If this interview were to be played on the Charlie Rose show, for example, it would be full of dead air. Kevin more and more seems to be fading into the woodwork, so to speak.

Following many twists and turns, Kevin ultimately makes a startling and gigantic change in his life.

The play is essentially a character study, its main interest lying in the personality quirks of John and Kevin. John appears almost to be two different people: He can be extremely charming, oilily so. Then he subtly revs up the charm, exposing a sly, almost sadistic side, as he seems to twist Kevin this way and that. He appears not to notice—or care—that Kevin is losing his self-confidence. Mark Blum’s performance skillfully captures the required nuances.

Michael Stahl-David’s Kevin is open and even naïve. He is typical of the neophyte actor, eager to please, no matter what is required of him. It occurred to me that John had “picked” Kevin because he sensed in him, in his prior portrayals, an extreme sensitivity, and thus that he, John, could have a little cruel fun with the younger man—a power play that John would win, hands down.

The five performances are top-drawer. In addition to the three male actors mentioned, Donna Hanover effectively performs double-duty as a TV Personality, and Liz Stauber’s Jen conveys the complexity of a woman who, over time, loses confidence in her man and expands her own.

Director Michael Wilson tastefully draws out the play’s subtleties. The spare set design by Rachel Hauck, with complementary lighting by Russell H. Champa, completes the picture.

“Picked” is a compelling production, particularly for those who appreciate nuance and character development.

“Picked”
Vineyard Theatre
108 East 15th Street
Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Tickets: 212-353-0303 or www.vineyardtheatre.org
Closes: May 22

Diana Barth writes and publishes “New Millennium,” an arts newsletter. For information: www.diabarth.com.