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Second Thoughts: Side Man
By Les Gutman
Editor's Note, November 8, 1998: For Elyse Sommer's notes about the play's third opening for an open run at the Golden Theater go here
This is the second Roundabout Theatre production about which I've written "Second Thoughts" for CurtainUp. (The other was A View From the Bridge, linked below). Both were "transfers" -- this one from a modest off-Broadway run at CSC -- and both were directed by Michael Mayer. Both also seem more deserving of Broadway recognition than most of the contemporaneous shows pre-ordained for their berths there.
Side Man is a memory play; it is a domestic drama; and it is a play about, as Elyse Sommer described it in her initial review, linked below, "a slice of musical history". None of these are particularly unusual. It is the way these elements are synthesized in Side Man that is extraordinary.
After a year in which the "return of Broadway" has been much trumpeted, it is nice to see that that return can include new plays that are Broadway-worthy simply because they are good. It's worth noting what this play lacks: its playwright, Warren Leight is not a brand name (see CurtainUp's interview with Leight, linked below); the cast includes no one who could claim to be a "star," much less a "draw." What is has, as noted in Elyse's review was "all the earmarks of a small show that might well exceed its current limited run."
In its Broadway digs, Side Man has been able to stretch out a bit, but otherwise appears to have retained its off-Broadway feel. Since time and space move about randomly in this play, Neil Patel's three-part set must remain stationary. It can do so at the Roundabout without sacrificing seats as was the case at CSC. It also retains its slightly rough, hand-me-down feel.
The cast continues from the original production, except for the substitution of Wendy Makkena for Edie Falco in the important role of wife and mother, Terry. If anything is lost in the translation, I can't imagine what it would be. Makkena is comfortable and perfect, a description that applies with equal force to the returnees.
When a show is this good, I'm prompted to ask what distinguishes it. For one thing, there is the dexterous hand of Michael Mayer (who has been involved in this show since its early workshops) guiding; he keeps the storytelling in sharp focus. For another, there are the wholly convincing performances, rendered with attentive and obvious joy, and no weak links. But in the final analysis, it is the integrity of Warren Leight's semi-autobiographical story that sets this play apart. There is a melding of objectivity with the personal: the love is as palpable as the inconsistencies it generates.
There is an appealing enigma. Side Man is somehow reassuring even though it is certainly not uplifting. Perhaps, oddly, this is the key.
Side Man finds itself uptown now, but not forever. It's set to run through September 20. Let me reiterate Elyse's earlier advice: "grab a ticket and catch it while it's on."
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SIDE MAN
By Warren Leight Directed by Michael Mayer With Kevin Geer, Wendy Makkena, Michael Mastro, Robert Sella, Joseph Lyle Taylor, Angelica Torn and Frank Wood Set Design: Neil Patel Costume Design: Tom Broecker Lighting Design: Kenneth Posner Sound Design: Raymond D. Schilke Roundabout Stage Right, 1530 Broadway (@45th) (212) 719 - 1300 Website linked below reopened (on Broadway) June 25 closes September 20, 1998 Reviewed by Les Gutman 4/29/98 August 10, 1998: After losing a week of shows due to the Times Square accident that closed this and several other theaters, the show's run has been extended to 9/13/98 And the show goes on, moving to the Golden Theater, 252 W. 45th St. (212/239-6200) for an open run LINK TO ITEMS MENTIONED ABOVE Original CurtainUp review of Side Man Original CurtainUp review of A View from the Bridge Second Thoughts on A View from the Bridge Interview with Warren Leight Roundabout website: http://www.roundabouttheatre.org |
