Review: THE WELL-APPOINTED ROOM by Richard Greenberg

[thez914]

Posted: 2/1/06 at 12:40am

I just had the opportunity to see this world premiere at the Steppenwolf Theatre and I must say, it was FANTASTIC. (Sorry, I don't have the time or energy to write a lengthy review...perhaps I'll include more details later).

The premise was astounding to me personally, taking place in "The first few years of the 21st century," including a haunting and poignant portrayal of the effects of 9/11, exploring the date that "divided time in the American consciousness, a moment that produced distinct sense of "before" and "after." This point is driven home with aplomb, given Richard Greenberg's uncanny and sensitive insight into how time is both a barrier and a gateway (or as stated in the program: "It's something that concerns me a lot...I'm trying to understand it subjectively, understand how it operates and, in a way, how it feels." Sorry about all the quotations, but they illustrate the scope of the play much more appropriately than I ever could)

For those of you who know little about the concept of the play, the first act, titled "Nostalgia," defined as "a wistful yearning for return to some past period or irrecoverable condition," concerns a playwright and his rather elusive wife, a relationship that is as captivating as it is disturbing (**If you are planning on seeing this show, DO NOT READ THE PROGRAM NOTES OR REVIEWS BEFOREHAND. The end of the first act hit me like a ton of bricks, and I want you to experience the same effect - granted you may be more perceptive than I, but give me the benefit of the doubt)

The second act, titled "Prolepsis," or "the assumption of a future act as if presently existing," brought a different plot structure: whereas the first act occured in real time, the second act is told through flashbacks of Mark (a charming Josh Charles, recognizable from his parts in "The Distance From Here" at the MCC Theatre, as well as his many film roles in "Dead Poets Society" and, how I recognized him, as the boyfriend of Christina Applegate in "Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead"). This act was mezmorizing, though confusing at times, concerning an accountant and his rather pregnant wife and their journey into the same "well-appointed room" from the first act. The actors from the first act also make an appearance, though this time they portray a more mysterious and dark set of characters.

Overall, the production was stunning. The writing was superb, incorporating wit, humor, historical context, the dilemma of relationships, etc. while neither preaching nor revealing too much information. The set was stunning - and contained almost as many surprises as the story itself. The performances were thrilling, Tracy Letts being the stand-out as both the quirky playwright Stewart and the downtrodden street urchin Mitchell. His portrayal of Stewart was exhilirating, nailing every opportunity to display the playful and enthralling qualities of the character; which made the catatonic Mitchell both heartbreaking and threatening (if it seems like I'm using a lot of opposites to describe the characters, it's because of the brilliant structure of a compelling script). Amy Morton as his wife, Natalie, was not immediately convincing, but she found every cranny to probe and ended up delivering a staggering performance. Kate Arrington should be commended for the detached and lonely presence she gave Gretchen, the pregnant wife, and Josh Charles exuded charisma, with a hint of smarmy hidden agenda.

OK, so this ended up being a bit longer than expected. I apologize for misleading you. Just know that "The Well-Appointed Room" by Richard Greenberg is a scalding, brave, haunting, ambitious, and compelling work that begs for access to the masses. You New Yorkers out there better hope this production comes your way...I have a feeling no one can appreciate it like you will.

Updated On: 2/1/06 at 12:40 AM

[thez914]

Posted: 2/1/06 at 4:49pm

bump

Has anyone else seen this, or is planning to see it? I'd love to hear what you think.

Seriously people...this play was amazing. I'm not sure about the prospects for a transfer, but it definitely deserves to be witnessed by all. It's a wonderful experience that stays with you.

[EM60657]

Posted: 2/1/06 at 5:26pm

I'm a Steppenwolf subscriber and will be seeing it shortly. I am very excited to see the show. Will post after seeing it.