BWW Reviews: THIRD at Two Rivers Theater - An Excellent Season Finale

"Don't accuse a woman like me of discrimination."
Laurie Jameson from Third by Wendy Wasserstein

Simply stated, "Go see it." Third is a thought provoking play, wonderfully written, with an extraordinary cast. With artful direction by Michael Cumpsty and creative scenic design by Michael Carnahan, Third is truly a gem of a production. It is now being performed through June 22nd at Two River's Rechnitz Theater in Red Bank.

Written by Wendy Wasserstein, Third is a story that is sure to intrigue audiences. Wasserstein was the first woman to win a Tony Award for Best Play for her 1989 drama, The Heidi Chronicles for which she also won the Pulitzer Prize. Third was produced in the fall of 2005 at Lincoln Center, just months before her untimely death in 2006 at the age of 55.

Third is set on the campus of a New England liberal arts college at the start of the Iraq war. Professor Laurie Jameson (Annette O'Toole) is a feminist and a liberal, a prized member of the English faculty who opened the door for women in academia. Her ability to be accepting is questionable when she accuses Woodson Bull III (Christopher Sears), nicknamed "Third," of plagiarism. Jameson believes that he is a stereotypical jock who does not possess the intellectual background or ability to write an insightful paper on King Lear. She brings him before the school's ethics board for disciplinary action.

Jameson's personal life is also in state of disarray with complex circumstances: changes in her marriage, caring for her aging father, Jack Jameson (J.R. Horne), the illness of a close friend and colleague Nancy Gordon, (Amy Hohn) and her daughter, Emily Imbrie (Emily Walton), is choosing a very different life-style than her mother.

O'Toole delivers a stellar performance in the challenging role of the accomplished professor. While seemingly confident, she experiences bouts of ill-temper and possesses a good deal of self-doubt. Horne is wonderful in the role of her father suffering from dementia, alternatively humorous and sympathetic. When these two appear together, they capture a loving spirit.

Sears plays his part perfectly; jovial and charming, yet sensitive. Hohn has her part just right; she evokes a sense of compassion while maintaining the strength of her character. Walton is a natural in her role, genuine and thoughtful.

Third is an important play. It calls into question the assumptions people make about each other, often with little information. It is a piece of theater that you will enjoy and revisit in your thoughts again and again. Bravo to Two Rivers Theater for making this show available to metropolitan area audiences. For ticketing and more information, visit the Two River Theater web site at www.tworivertheater.org or by calling (732) 345-1400.

Photo Credit: Michal Daniel