BWW Reviews: THIS at the Seattle Rep

In Melissa James Gibson's play "This", currently having its west coast premiere at the Seattle Rep, the central conceit is that this is an inside look at four witty average urban thirty-somethings, a group that seems to be the go-to for new playwrights.  But the problem is that these people are average only in that they end up as stereotypes to the way we see this "type" and possibly how we would like to see ourselves.  And those stereotypes, while funny and engaging, sometimes come across as forced.

The story focuses on four long time friends who are reaching the end of their thirties.  Jane (Cheyenne Casebier), a recently widowed single mother and poet; Alan (Nick Garrison), a sarcastic gay man who makes his way as a mnemonist (someone who can remember long lists of things after only hearing them once); Marrell (April Yvette Thompson), an African American Jazz Singer and her husband Tom (Hans Altwies), a struggling cabinet maker.  Marrell and Tom have just had a baby and this new addition (and the lack of sleep caused by it) is shining a spotlight on some of the cracks in their relationship.  So when a moment of infidelity occurs within the group, the friends are sent into a tailspin to try and make sense of where their lives are going.  All of which is being observed by the newcomer to the group, Jean-Pierre (Ryan Shams), the sexy French doctor Marrell has invited over to set up with Jane.

This group dynamic seems to be the flavor of the month, as far as playwrights go, what with recent hits like "God of Carnage".  They're not yuppies anymore as they're a little too old to qualify for that moniker.  They're Thirtyish, Witty Urbanites with Kids.  So "Thwuks".  And as is often the case they are hyper-articulate versions of normal Thwuks.  They are the Thwuks we wish we were, always knowing the right and pithy thing to say.  And while that's entertaining, it's not very realistic and, as the case is here, can tend to get a little forced.  That's not to say the entire show is this way.  There are quite a number of moments of superb writing and rather clever plot devices.  But every now and again I found myself cringing over a bit of heavy handed dialog that only accentuated how stereotypical and unreal these characters really are.  Even the outside observer is just a little too perfect.

OK, but beyond the script, is the production any good?  Definitively yes!  Director Braden Abraham and the cast take these adroit individuals and make the most of them.  Thompson is fun as the over-stressed and over-analyzing new Mother.  Shams doesn't have a lot to do but takes his one big moment to shine and does so with seeming ease.  Even in a foreign language he communicates volumes.  Garrison is hilarious as the quick witted friend.  His comic timing is spot on perfect although I wonder if he was physically right for the part as the character has a big speech about being one of the "unattractive ones".  In which universe?  An argument can be made that it's a self esteem issue but the script doesn't really lend itself to that argument.  Atwies is wonderful as always.  His striking presence and charisma make even this flawed man likable and one you want to root for.  And Casebier nailed her performance with a subtle intensity that blew me away and made her character and her character's arc one of the most believable.

With a gorgeous set and lights by L.B. Morse, I can't really say that "This" is a bad play.  On the contrary, it's funny, intense, emotional and engaging.  Everything you could want for an evening of entertainment.  But for a play about people and issues of today, I just wish it were a bit more real.

"This" performs at the Seattle Repertory Theatre through May 15^th.  For tickets or information contact the Seattle Rep box office at 206-443-2222 or visit them online at www.seattlerep.org.

Photo credit: Chris Bennion

 

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