BWW Reviews: IT IS DONE Lowers The Bar

With the groundbreaking success of a certain Macbeth-based performance piece playing at its own hotel in Chelsea, it is clear that we will see a plethora of new plays riding on the site-specific concept in the coming months. With site-specific theatre, the audience should get a sense of varying point of views and leave many grey areas to ponder after the show. Unfortunately, "It Is Done," the new thriller now playing at the Mean Fiddler bar, is purely black and white.

A quiet man with a mysterious past seeks refuge from a tornado in a hole in the wall bar and finds company with an in-your-face-with-grossness bartender and a seductive young woman whose actual shady identity might just trump his own.

From the moment Catia Ojeda enters the bar as Ruby, she exudes a constant exaggerated charismatic energy which makes her actual reveal even more of a smack in the face.

Alex Goldberg's script is often stereotypical, and overall it feels like being hit over the head with a blunt object with the impact lasting much too long.

Director Tom Wojtunik unfortunately didn't bring out well-rounded performances from the three performers and the site-specific staging added little to the intensity.

In all aspects of the production, the team strived to create a big picture and, in turn, sacrificed any moments of subtlety. When it was done, there was little to reflect on.

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It is Done, begins performances on Monday, November 7 and will open on Tuesday, November 8 and will continue its limited run through December 5, 2011 at The Mean Fiddler Bar & Grill (266 West 47 Street). Tickets are $30 and include one drink and can be purchased by visiting www.itisdonetheplay.com.

 

 

 

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