BWW Reviews: TRUST Dominates Through Humor and Superb Directing

Zoetic Stage offers a witty and entertaining glimpse into the journey of self discovery with the South Florida premiere of Paul Weitz' dark comedy Trust, now playing at the Adrienne Arsht Center's Carnival Studio Theater. The piece explores the circumstances that dominate who we are and how we long to escape complacency. Through humor and a little S&M, Trust transforms its four characters, leaving them with what they need instead of what they thought they wanted. With writing that is relevant and hazardously believable at times, Weitz' controls the audience's attention from the opening scene.

The tone is set in a dungeon full of kinky sex toys, chains, and whips where Harry Schneider, an unhappily married internet millionaire visits a dominatrix in hopes of escaping his humdrum "controlled" life and stepping out of the box he lives in. When his session doesn't go as planned and he recognizes his Madame as Prudence - someone from his past - it alters their course as well as that of Harry's depressed wife Aleeza and Prudence's arrogant boyfriend Morton. What follows is a series of encounters that forces the characters to divulge secrets from their past, admit their shortcomings, and trust their ability to change.

In Zoetic Stage's version, directed by Stuart Meltzer, the music plays a fifth character, transitioning the action by allowing the audience time to think about what just happened, while simultaneously setting up the next scene. In an intimate set, with great scenic design by Elayne Bryan, Meltzer captures the audience with superb directing, making balanced and realistic choices. Without the need to show too much, the audience is treated to real adult scenarios by capable and committed actors. The male performances were flawlessly executed with Nicholas Richberg brilliantly portraying an uncomfortable and insecure Harry, and Alex Alvarez dominating every scene as the intimidating, ill-tempered Morton. As their female counterparts, Niki Fridh executed Prudence with vigor and heart and Gretchen Porro was dynamic and edgy as Harry's miserable wife Aleeza. Although all four performances were excellent, the men most definitely dominated on opening night.

Overall, Trust allows audiences to explore the vulnerabilities that force us to re-examine our lives and to trust the decisions we make to change our course. Zoetic Stage provides a stimulating night at the theater that will have audiences laughing from the first minute and captivated through the last; most importantly forcing us all to accept that there is something wrong with every one of us.

Trust is part of the Adrienne Arsht Center's Theater Up Close Series and suited to adults over 18. The show runs through Sunday, March 29 at the Adrienne Arsht Center's Carnival Studio Theater, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard. For tickets and more information: 305-949-6722 or www.arshtcenter.org.

Photo Credit: Justin Namon