Through July 25, 2009
Reviewed by Andrea Braun
What if you went on a date with someone you met on
the internet. If you're female, you've met a sweet, charming, funny guy who
goes out of his way to please and impress you. If you're a male, you find a
pretty, outspoken, clever young woman across the table who is challenging but seemingly
worth the effort. What would your reaction be? Probably you'd think things were
A-OK in your little corner of the world.
But then, things begin to change. Our guy, here Elliot by name (Charlie Barron) begins to exhibit some, shall we say, unusual behaviors. The girl, call her Susan (Colleen Backer) matches him neurosis for neurosis—maybe even tops him, though that puppet thing does earn him extra points in crazy. What do you have then? You could call it Nerve, a brilliantly conceived and executed short show by Adam Szymkowicz, which is now playing at Echo Theatre.
Backer with her hands full of 2008 Kevin Kline Awards, gives another of her touching, funny, pathetic, geeky but endearing performances. Charlie Barron’s “Everyman” persona is undercut here by some serious weirdness which at times belies his boyish demeanor, making him downright scary in places. I can’t go into detail about what happens because that would spoil the show for you, and I do recommend you see it.
Eric Little directs with his usual light but sure hand. The set is simple—a cocktail table, two chairs and a beer sign, plus a cabinet in the corner which is put to use in one truly oddball scene. Ellen Isom’s choreography allows Backer to exercise her physicality as a actor, since movement is one of her strongest suits on stage, and that also helps define something important she has revealed about her character. Maureen Hanratty’s lights set the mood.
If you saw The Ugly One, Echo’s first show in its new home in the ArtSpace at Crestwood Court, you sat on chairs in the middle of an old shoe store which clearly showed its provenance. Now, however, when you walk in Theatre 134, you find soft lights, comfortable and attractive furniture, and audience seating on risers. What an amazing transformation!
Echo Theatre does some of the most consistently original and interesting work in town. I hope you’ll support them by enjoying Nerve.
Nerve runs at Theater 134 in Crestwood Court through July 25. Call 314-225-4329, or visit www.echotheatrecompany.org.
|
