'Between Us' engaging play in intimate setting
By: Jon Carrelli
Issue date: 10/7/05 Section: Entertainment
Originally published: 10/7/05 at 7:54 AM EST
Last update: 10/7/05 at 7:54 AM EST
Originally published: 10/7/05 at 7:54 AM EST
Last update: 10/7/05 at 7:54 AM EST
I find it striking that a couple so young encounters disastrous dissatisfaction so early in their marriage. Among other elements, this is one of the primary factors that sets this work apart from Albee and Marguiles' scripts of a similar nature. Due to a combination of life-altering circumstances such as children, it is not a completely inconceivable set-up. Carlo and Grace's relationship suffers from the oppressive forces of life such as debt, while alcoholism threatens to consume the relationship between Joel and Sharyl.
Flashpoint Theatre is not a large regional theatre and therefore does not offer a spectacle of the same caliber; a production in such an intimate environment relies heavily on the most basic elements of good theatre, but if there's one thing to walk away from this production with, it's the great performance. The four talented actors deftly swing between marital bliss and utter unhappiness. Each actor forges an excellent connection through evolving relationships with the other characters throughout their role. Hortua's script caters to such moments by focusing on the dynamic present between each combination of characters: wife with wife, husband with husband, wife with friend's husband and so on as each minor conflict escalates in mini ballistic moments.
That is not to say that this was entirely without flaws. Conallen plays the part of Joel with over-stressed dissatisfaction that teeters on the edge of threatening to be too much. However, combined with the clenched choices of Sara Pauley (Sharyl) as well as the natural style of Kate Bailey and Gregg Pica, the extremes balance. It is clear that this is a case of superb casting.
Flashpoint Theatre may not have their own venue, but this up and coming theatre company chooses their space well. An intimate space such as the sixty seat black box setting of the Second Stage theatre at the Adrienne makes it easy to become thoroughly absorbed in the play. At times the tension grows so thick that it encroaches on the audience and leads to the delusion that one is right in the living room. Smaller theatre spaces such as this one often offer a unique theatrical experience.
Between Us does not reconcile in the end, but instead through ambiguous elements present in the character's motivations, it forces the audience to reflect upon the show to draw their own sense of closure. This is just as well; the conflicts presented throughout the play cannot simply be tied with a pretty ribbon. However, if you're interested in seeing a wide array of theatre and are up for a compelling and entertaining night, this show offers a distinct experience to add to your collection.
Between Us continues its run until Oct. 16 at the Second Stage, 2030 Sansom Street. For more information check out http://www.flashpointtheatre.org.
Flashpoint Theatre is not a large regional theatre and therefore does not offer a spectacle of the same caliber; a production in such an intimate environment relies heavily on the most basic elements of good theatre, but if there's one thing to walk away from this production with, it's the great performance. The four talented actors deftly swing between marital bliss and utter unhappiness. Each actor forges an excellent connection through evolving relationships with the other characters throughout their role. Hortua's script caters to such moments by focusing on the dynamic present between each combination of characters: wife with wife, husband with husband, wife with friend's husband and so on as each minor conflict escalates in mini ballistic moments.
That is not to say that this was entirely without flaws. Conallen plays the part of Joel with over-stressed dissatisfaction that teeters on the edge of threatening to be too much. However, combined with the clenched choices of Sara Pauley (Sharyl) as well as the natural style of Kate Bailey and Gregg Pica, the extremes balance. It is clear that this is a case of superb casting.
Flashpoint Theatre may not have their own venue, but this up and coming theatre company chooses their space well. An intimate space such as the sixty seat black box setting of the Second Stage theatre at the Adrienne makes it easy to become thoroughly absorbed in the play. At times the tension grows so thick that it encroaches on the audience and leads to the delusion that one is right in the living room. Smaller theatre spaces such as this one often offer a unique theatrical experience.
Between Us does not reconcile in the end, but instead through ambiguous elements present in the character's motivations, it forces the audience to reflect upon the show to draw their own sense of closure. This is just as well; the conflicts presented throughout the play cannot simply be tied with a pretty ribbon. However, if you're interested in seeing a wide array of theatre and are up for a compelling and entertaining night, this show offers a distinct experience to add to your collection.
Between Us continues its run until Oct. 16 at the Second Stage, 2030 Sansom Street. For more information check out http://www.flashpointtheatre.org.
