NEW YORK—People look for solace in the most unusual places, but ultimately the choices they make—and the responsibilities for these choices—are theirs and theirs alone. This point clearly comes across in the three one-acts that make up Series B of the annual Summer Shorts series presented by Throughline Artists at 59E59 Theaters.
‘Unstuck’
Lucy Thurber’s “Unstuck” centers around Pete (Alfredo Narciso), deeply depressed, who of late has become a kind of couch potato. He’s also a de facto sounding board for others. His sister Jackie (Lauren Blumenfeld) comes by to show off her latest dance moves, all the while berating him for being unable to make decisions; and friend Sara (Carmen Zilles), a psychologist in training, is trying to come to terms with her narcissistic tendencies while denying she even has them.
Neither of these visits make Pete feel better in the least. His mood further sours by it being his birthday and his live-in girlfriend Deidre (KK Moggie) says they’re drifting apart.
More three extended scenes than a play that really coalesces, the work seems to be saying all one really needs is a kick in the rear and the love of a strong person to make it through tough times.
True, the situation is quite relatable. Who among us hasn’t felt depressed about life not going the way we thought it would? And who hasn’t had terrible doubts about what’s coming just round the bend?
Yet by not having the main character change enough (or at all), the piece just kicks Pete’s problems down the road, where they will almost certainly resurface before long.
Thurber may be trying to point out the dangers of changing only superficially, but the story is far too weak for the audience to care about once the final scene finishes. It doesn’t help matters that the characters are drawn with only the broadest of strokes and not really all that interesting.
by Robert O'Hara, the play is part of Summer Shorts 2015. Carol Rosegg
