Published in The News Tribune
Alec Clayton
 |
| Bill Johns as John Dodge and Jenny Vaughn Hall as Mrs. Swanson in Harlequin's "Middletown" |
Harlequin Productions’ “Middletown” is the surprise hit of
the season. The play by Will Eno, which has been called absurdist and
surrealistic and an “Our Town” for the 21st century, is brilliantly
written and performed with style and sincerity by an outstanding cast on a
minimalist set.
The set by Jeannie Beirne consists of simple drop-down
windows and a few tables, chairs and beds that are unobtrusively moved about
between scenes. Video projections by Amy Chisman cast scenes from the past to
the future in small town America. The projected opening scene looks like an
idyllic small town as painted by Edward Hopper, but this town is populated by
citizens who could have been invented by Eugene Ionesco or Samuel Becket.
Right off the bat they break the fourth wall when Mike Dooly
as a droll commentator in the “Our Town” mold welcomes the audience. It is
unclear if what we’re experiencing is a curtain speech or a part of the play;
what is clear, however, is that he is hilarious. And then the play-proper
begins with Dooly again, now a drunk on a park bench being hassled by a cop
(Scott C. Brown) who is frightening because he changes in the blink of an eye
from friendly and down-to-earth to bully with gun and night stick.
There doesn’t seem to be any story arc at first, as we go
from scene to scene viewing the citizens of Middletown from a range of
perspectives, from that of a librarian (Walayn Sharples) to stereotypical,
photo-shooting tourists (Josh Krupke and Lorrie Fargo) being given a tour by Elex
Hill, to an astronaut viewing the town from outer space. But gradually a sweet
and sad story begins to emerge as a budding relationship develops between a
newcomer to town, Mrs. Swanson (Jenny Vaughn Hall), and a handyman named John Dodge
(played brilliantly by Bill Johns). John Dodge is a sad misfit. Mrs. Swanson,
whose working-out-of-town husband we never see, is friendly and loveable, but
underneath her charm also lies a deep sadness. Sparks between these two are
evident from the moment they meet.
I cannot praise the acting in this play enough.
Johns, in his first role at Harlequin, comes to the Olympia
stage from Seattle, where he has performed in “The Adventures of Kavelier and
Clay” and “Frankenstein,” both at Book-It Repertory Theatre. He has a way of
quickly changing expressions that reminds me of Tim Conway from the old Carol
Burnett show. He goes easily from comedy to tragedy in what may well be the
best acting I’ve seen this year.
Also exceptional is Dooly as the mechanic who comments
wisely on the absurdities of life in his drunken manner and who also touches
the hearts fellow characters and audience alike.
Hall is charming and expressive as Mrs. Swanson. Like Dooly
and Johns, she touches the heart and makes the audience want to root for her.
I’ve been following Brown’s career since I first saw him as
Salieri in “Amadeus” and as R.C. McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
at Lakewood Playhouse (I chose him as Best actor in my annual Critic’s Choice
for both roles). No matter what part he plays, he becomes the character. As the
cop in this show he starts out as an almost demonic bad guy but becomes a real
softy by the tragic end.
“Middletown” is as funny, as intelligent, and as heart
wrenching as any play can be. Eno’s writing is rife with sharp observations on
the human condition, but is never pedantic. The philosophy and psychology, the
pathos and humor, is all served up in the words of everyday people who are
absolutely believable. I highly
recommend this play.
alec@alecclayton.com
Check Alec’s blog at alecclayton.blogspot.com for reviews of
other area theatrical productions. Watch for a review of “Blithe Spirit” at Olympia Little Theatre and “And Then
There Were None” at Lakewood Playhouse.
SIDEBAR: Middletown
WHEN:
Thursdays through Saturdays, 8p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. through Sept. 13
WHERE:
State Theater, 202 E. 4th Ave., Olympia
TICKETS:
prices vary, call for details
INFORMATION:
360-786-0151; http://www.harlequinproductions.org/
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