Relatively Speaking
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Cititour.com Review
What do a mental patient with a philosophical bent, a dumb-blond widow and a philanderer professing true love have in common? Why, dysfunctional family dynamics, of course — the stuff of which great comedies are made. Unfortunately, a trio of one-acts penned by Ethan Coen, Elaine May and Woody Allen, under the banner, Relatively Speaking, directed by John Turturro, would hardly be considered great theatre. For example, it lacks the cutting edge feel of other Broadway dark comedies like God of Carnage. But then again, Relatively Speaking has its moments!
Chock full of zippy one-liners and absurd situations, the plays share a skewed sense of the world. Turturro has given his casts a sense of freedom, and this fine company of actors, 15 strong, all bring their A game.
The evening begins with Coen’s "Talking Cure." Danny Hoch is the patient trying to convince the doctor assigned to him of his grasp on reality. Eventually a flashback to the young man "in utero" shows how he comes by his dysfunction, naturally. Hoch’s game of cat and mouse with Jason Kravits, as his psychiatrist, has an edgy build. For his part, Kravits, does a nice job of mixing professional calm with a nervous internal monologue.
The second course is Elaine May’s "George Is Dead" starring Marlo Thomas as a deliciously vapid and ditzy blond narcissist. Thomas’ departure from her usual confident self is a wonderful, playful trip to a character complete with no redeeming traits. Lisa Emery as Carla, her "best friend" and Grant Shaud, as Carla’s husband, are the perfect foils for Thomas’ loopy rich bitch. May’s script balances the fine line of shock and amusement with finesse.
The finale comes in the form of "Honeymoon Hotel," a Woody Allen farce. A manic Steve Guttenberg is the father of a groom who runs off with his son’s financée — a woman half his age — with whom he professes to be head-over-heels in love. The entire family chases the couple to the honeymoon suite at a tacky motel and mayhem ensures, including a very funny Richard Libertini as a rabbi fond of misquoting bible stories. The soon-to-be ex-wife, Caroline Aaron, and the wacky in-laws, Julie Kavner and Mark Linn-Baker, all share exceptional comic timing.
Any similarity to Allen’s own life is, perhaps, purely intentional on the playwright’s part. It would be impossible to believe that Allen is unaware that the story line draws similarities to the much publicized love affair with his much younger wife. Older men and the younger women who adore them are a reoccurring theme in Allan’s work. Backstory aside, "Honeymoon Hotel" starts out as a raucous comedy but eventually wears out its welcome, making "Relatively Speaking," relatively disappointing.
By Lesley Alexander
Visit the Site
http://relativelyspeakingbroadway.com/
Cast
Caroline Aaron, Bill Army, Katherine Borowitz, Lisa Emery, Ari Graynor, Steve Guttenberg, Danny Hoch, Julie Kavner, Jason Kravits, Richard Libertini, Mark Linn-Baker, Fred Melamed, Patricia O’Connell, Grant Shaud, Marlo Thomas
Open/Close Dates
Opening 9/20/2011
Closing 1/29/2012
Box Office
800-745-3000
Theatre Info
Brooks Atkinson Theatre
256 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
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