ATTRACTION OR LOVE? (L-R) Andy Grotelueschen and Stephanie D'Abruzzo have a lover’s quarrel in “Don’t Say Another Word” by Carole Real. (Carol Rosegg)
A CLASSIC: (L-R) Rosalyn Coleman, Clara Hopkins Daniels, and Jamie Watkins perform in a contemporary version of a Greek tragedy in “The Sin Eater,” by Keith Reddin. (Carol Rosegg)
JEALOUSY AMOK: (L-R) Shane McRae, Andy Powers, and Emily Tremaine appear in “If I Had,” written by Roger Hedden. (Carol Rosegg)
A SURPRISE ENDING: (L-R) Neal Huff and J.J. Kandel in William Inge’s “The Killing.” (Carol Rosegg)
In Carole Real’s “Don’t Say Another Word,” a couple (Stephanie D’Abruzzo and Andy Grotelueschen) are having what begins as a pleasant dinner out. Somehow the subject gets around to what the man considers attractive in a woman, and oddly, his taste does not seem to include his present companion. What can result but friction? But it’s not on too heavy a level. On the other hand, it might give food for thought to lovers who forget to be politic with those nearest and dearest to them. The actors acquit themselves well under Ian Belknap’s direction.
Keith Reddin’s “The Sin Eater” offers an intriguing concept. It seems that El’s father has been murdered. Worst of all, the murderer is El’s own mother. Although set in contemporary times, it becomes clear that the play is based on the Greek Electra legend. The stubborn El (Clara Hopkins Daniels) refuses to let anything stop her as she plans her revenge, later eliciting the help of her brother Or (as in Orestes) played by Sheldon Woodley. Even the leavening influence of her friend Cleo (Cleopatra?), played by the delightful Tonya Latrice Stewart, cannot persuade her to abandon her plan.
Jamie Watkins, J.J. Kandel, Rosalyn Coleman, and Teala Dunn round out the cast under Billy Hopkins’s direction.
In “If I Had” by Roger Hedden, a resentful landscape worker worries his partner. The complainer stands to cause the pair to lose this very lucrative assignment, working on a wealthy estate. The resentful one wants to “stick it to” the young lady of the family, simply because he’s jealous of her wealth and easy life. She at the moment is attired in a very scant bikini, drinking something cooling in a tall glass replete with tiny umbrella. It all ends well. Shane McRae, Andy Powers, and Emily Tremaine perform nicely under Billy Hopkins’s direction.
“The Killing” by the late, noted playwright William Inge (“Picnic,” “Bus Stop”) casts a dark and mysterious note. One man (Neal Huff) invites a younger man (J.J. Kandel) to his furnished room. The purpose of the invitation is not known at first. The two chat; the younger of the two assumes that his host wants to indulge in sexual activity. However, it is made clear that that is not the purpose at all. What is desired is something so unique, so startling, that I won’t disclose it.
Suffice it to say that the play has tremendous tension; the actors compel our attention. José Angel Santana has directed with sensitivity and verve.
An interesting evening at the theater with something to satisfy most tastes. Series B alternates with Series A.
Summer Shorts 3: Series B
59E59 Theaters
59 East 59th Street
Tickets: 212-279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com
Running time: 2 hours
Closes: Aug. 27
Diana Barth writes and publishes “New Millennium,” an arts newsletter. She also contributes to TotalTheater.com.
