KDHX Theatre Review - The Monogamist
St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley
Reviewed by Kelly Levins
The Monogamist, Christopher Kyle’s witty and engaging play about the pros and cons of monogamous relationships, is filled with political, social and ethical questions. The year is 1991, during the first Bush administration, and we meet five dramatically different characters, all trying to define what a perfect relationship means. Kyle gives us Jasmine, a brash, quasi-feminist talk show host; Dennis, the ‘monogamist,’ a washed-up poet searching for meaning in everything; Susan, his long-term lover and professor of feminist literature; Tim, a sexist, frat-boyish coed in her class; and Sky, a druggie/hippie/Princeton undergrad. In the first scene, Dennis appears on Jasmine’s show to discuss his newest book, which advocates monogamy. Ironically, it is upon the completion of this book that his wife, Susan, begins to question the validity of monogamy; in her questioning, she finds herself in bed with the sexist, beer-guzzling male student in her literature class (Tim). Dennis walks in on the two of them together, and his world is instantly torn apart. This event serves as the catalyst which forces the characters to each take a hard, long look at what monogamy means to them, and if it is a valid and realistic expectation in their relationships.
The script itself is witty, intelligent, swift-moving and full of comical political and social references. The dialogue created is overflowing with quick punch-lines, and the overwhelming theme of sexuality in relationships carries itself into even the most nonsexual of moments. The problem with this production is the performances, which vary from fresh and innovative to monotonous and predictable. The roles of Dennis, played by Bill Alverson, and Susan, played by Janet Robcy, should be the most multi-dimensional and complex; in all actuality, these characters come across as the most simplistic and uninteresting. Dennis goes through several great personal transitions and intellectual awakenings, yet Alverson’s performance remains as stagnant and forced at the end of the production as it was during the opening scene. Robcy’s Susan is awkward and difficult, though not apparent through choices that could easily suggest as much. Rather, Robcy herself seems uncomfortable on stage. Few character choices are made at all, and the role of Susan, which could be filled with great contradiction, suffers greatly.
The most multi-faceted and engaging performances come from the two characters Kyle writes as cultural stereotypes—Sky and Tim. There is a real depth and edginess to Mackenzie Hoffman’s portrayal of Sky; more than a simple, drug-addicted hippie, Sky becomes a lost soul seeking deep answers in what could easily have been lost as a simple character role. Hoffman gives Sky real flare and intellectual charm. Derick Patterson’s portrayal of Tim is equally fresh; the naïve and sexist Tim becomes likeable, someone even the most die-hard feminist can feel sympathy for. His performance carries with it a deep innocence and sense of desire for something else; it becomes clear why Susan fell for him in the first place. Scenes with Patterson and Hoffman are the only ones to give Kyle’s thoughtful script true justice.
There are several clean, funny moments, though the pacing tends to drag. The music between the rather long scene changes adds to the nostalgic feel created by the piece, and the production is staged well in the small, intimate space that is the Flo Valley Loft theatre. The Monogamist continues through November 17 [2001] at Florissant Valley Community College. Call 314-595-4488 for ticket information.