BWW Reviews: THE WHALE at Columbia's Rep Stage - A Revelation

What was acclaimed playwright Samuel D. Hunter thinking when he wrote THE WHALE? Would you like to see a play about a morbidly obese teacher about to die? It makes one think a little bit about investing their time and money and seeing such an "entertainment". But let me say right know, you will be glad you did.

Kudos to Rep Stage Co-Producing Artistic Directors Suzanne Beal and Joseph Ritsch for having the courage to present this fascinating work while making THE WHALE a regional premiere. The work is under the impressive direction by long-standing Rep Stage Director, Kasi Campbell who has assembled a remarkable cast.

Playing at the intimate Smith Theatre at Howard County Community College, you will be amazed at the superb acting starting with the leading player, Michael Russotto, who plays the morbidly obese Charlie. Charlie was married and had a daughter and realized he was gay, got divorced and lived with his partner Alan in a small apartment in Northern Idaho. Alan was Mormon and due to his religion, had trouble dealing with life, stopped eating and wasted away. His demise is what starts Charlie's turn to the opposite of starvation, eating himself to death. His weight balloons to 500 pounds. But, before he does, he wants to reconcile with his 17 year old daughter he has not seen since she was two years old.

Charlie's existence may seem pathetic. His small cluttered apartment demonstrates his way of life. He sits on a soiled coach on cement blocks with a small refrigerator next to it. He uses a grabbing claw to reach for his cup of soda because it is difficult for him to move even a small amount. He also uses it to reach for his walker which he uses to get to the bathroom. Russotto gives a remarkable performance. He groans and whizzes often and demonstrates the pain he is enduring from his shortness of breath.

The play reminded me of my reaction at the original Broadway production of THE ELEPHANT MAN where the audience was at first seeing a grotesque figure on stage and slowly one saw through the physicality to observe a true human being.

Thanks to Costume Designer Jessica Welch and Properties Design Dre Moore, the so called "fat suit" Russotto wears looks real.

The always terrific Megan Anderson plays Alan's sister Liz who thanks to being a nurse, attempts to make Charlie's life bearable. But, in a way she becomes an enabler supplying big jars of Cheez Doodles, Krispy Kreme Donuts, submarine sandwiches, and tubs of fried chicken. You could hear the audience gasp as she unpacks the goodies. It is apparent though she really cares for Charlie.

There is another Mormon involved. In walks Elder Thomas (in typical Mormon finery) played by newcomer Wood Van Meter (a look alike for Ty Burrell from "Modern Family") who comes to help Charlie find religion. Van Meter is excellent in his complex role.

Before Charlie dies, he hopes to reconcile with his daughter Ellie (played convincingly by Jenna Rossman) who is an internet expert and cannot understand why her father has become so obese. She has not seen her father since she was two years old.

Towards the end of the play, Charlie's ex-wife Mary (Susan Rome) shows up exasperated at what has become of her former husband.

One of the touching parts of the play concerns Charlie's job as an on-line professor of English. It is clear what a great teacher he is though unseen by his students and it is so frustrating knowing that there is not much time left for Charlie. The scenes between him and his daughter are riveting.

There are occasional pauses in the play and I found the haunting music by Sound Designer Neil McFadden similar to the sounds you hear at the Baltimore National Aquarium observing the sharks.

Do not allow the plot to keep you away from this astonishing play.

THE WHALE continues until February 1. For tickets, call 443-518-1500 or visit www.repstage.org. Log onto this site for a free wonderful study guide.

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

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