9/24/24: The Counter
What: Roundabout presents Meghan Kennedy's new play about a waitress in a small-town cafe, her regular morning customer, and the bargain the two strike.
And? This was lovely. I clocked a number of Chekhov's guns being placed strategically through the character piece, sure we were headed for heartbreak. And then, out of the foggy morning--hope. Such a small gift, hope. Such an important gift. The cast is very well directed by David Cromer (though that's not a surprise), but I want to specifically highlight the subtle work of sound designer Christopher Darbassie: the ambient noise is so subtle you don't even realize it's going until it will fully cut out for these hidden monologues delivered in utter stillness of sound. Remarkable moments. So glad I saw this. I needed a taste of hope.
What: City Center hosts Stephen Sachs's docuplay about a young man who turns his father in for his participation in the January 6th insurrection, told verbatim from public statements, transcripts, and evidence.
And? Eh. It didn't do enough to lift it out of just being a re-enactment of his court testament. Thanks to Tectonic, Anna Deavere Smith, the Civilians, and the recent verbatim plays from the Vineyard, the bar's pretty high for what kind of transformative work you can do, even using pre-set words.
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| Ron Bottitta and Patrick Keleher as Father and Son. Photo by Maria Baranova. |
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