BWW Reviews: Echo Theatre Company's Production of GOD'S EAR

Jenny Schwartz's play God's Ear is an intriguing work, chock full of linguistic twists and turns that manage to illuminate rather than obscure, even though they appear to tumble forth with seemingly reckless abandon. Schwartz takes a tragic situation, in this case the loss of a child and the erosion of a married couple's feelings in the aftermath, and peppers the dialogue with exhilarating, and at times exasperating, flurries of cliches and non-sequiturs. It's like some weirdly compelling word game, and I like the fact that Echo Theatre Company has chosen this particular work to begin their 2010 season, because it represents the kind of challenging, and ultimately rewarding, productions that have become their stock in trade.

When Mel and Ted lose their son in a drowning accident the grief becomes more than Mel can handle, and she retreats inwardly, trying to find some sort of closure, and wracked with guilt about her own lack of awareness when the accident occurred. Ted seems to be going through the motions with Mel, and lacking any real sense of understanding of her state of mind, seems headed toward a tawdry affair with a lush named Lenora. The story takes an oddly hopeful turn when the Tooth Fairy and GI Joe show up to help Mel break through and regain her mental clarity.

Michelle Hand gives an amazing performance as Mel. Schwartz has her firing off a rapid succession of quips and quotes as questions are repeated over and over, ad infinitum, and she maintains complete focus throughout. While it's never clear if these are her thoughts before settling on an answer, or some kind of condition brought on by the grief (although it affects nearly every character at one time or another), it's impressively delivered. Martin Fox is also quite good as her husband, Ted, effectively playing Abbott to Hand's Costello, as they spar verbally. Cameron Kopsky also contributes nicely as their daughter, Lanie.

Donna Weinsting is reassuring as the Tooth Fairy, and Kelly Schnider appeals as the tipsy Lenora. Justin Ivan Brown does terrific work, and really adds a much needed spark as both a female Flight Attendant and GI Joe. All the supporting cast, including Kopsky, are given little songs to sing as well, and this whimsical touch works best when Brown's voice is showcased. Tom Kopp also appears as a sort of all purpose drinking buddy for Ted, and he gets to perform an amusing rap about what you can and can't sell on E-Bay.

Eric Little's direction is sharply focused, despite the fact that the script is all over the map, and he's assembled a fine cast to pull it off. Little's stark scenic design, with most of the set and props draped in white, or painted solid white, creates a somber mood that Maureen Hanratty's lighting neatly and precisely illuminates. Sarah Woodworth's costumes and Victoria Meyer's compositions provide additional layers of interest in this complex and compelling piece.

Echo Theatre Company's engaging production of God's Ear continues through August 15, 2010 at the Crestwood Court Mall.

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