Remy Bumppo Theatre Company presents LOVE SONG.
Witty dialogue. Slick condo. Superb acting. What’s not to love?
Playwright John Kolvenbach explores love on multiple levels: man and woman, wife and husband, sister and brother, and self. His romcom is sharp. The banter is rapid-fire as interns are annihilated and calling-in-sick becomes a skillful art. The vibe is playful as folks drink and smoke. It’s all a big, fun romp until it isn’t. Although I don’t want to divulge a reveal, I want to address an evolution of thought. LOVE SONG debuted over fifteen years ago when mental health wasn’t recognized and/or understood as a serious illness. Kolvenbach’s characters poke fun of, pretend away or magically resolve depression issues. In today’s world, some notes in this LOVE SONG sound willfully obtuse.
Despite the out-of-date nuisances of the script, Director Marti Lyons delivers a well-paced and highly engaging experience. Her ensemble (Terry Bell, Sarah Coakley Price, Isa Arciniegas, and Ryan Hallahan) is tight. The interactions feel organic. The pairings seem authentically intimate. Price and Hallahan’s conversations and even arguments are grounded in a loving marital acceptance of each other. Price’s overwrought workaholic is perfectly matched with Hallahan’s laidback good naturedness. A mysterious and mischievous Arciniegas helps a serious Bell lighten up and enjoy life. Their exchanges have a forbidden undercurrent. And Price and Bell have this affectionate sibling bond. Bell brings out the softer, nurturer in Price. The ensemble is first-rate.
All the relational love and angst takes place on Scenic Designer Joe Schermoly’s versatile set. In the forefront, Bell’s apartment is a plain, dark hovel. An overstuffed chair, lamp and dining set are the basic furnishings of his home.Then, the walls move to reveal Price and Hallahan’s high rise with a view. Their furniture is sophisticated chic with windows overlooking a desirable cityscape. Schermoly’s dwelling contrast is a startling representation of the differences between sister and brother’s circumstances.
The acting, the wit, the condo are definitely reasons to see this show. Although this LOVE SONG isn’t timeless, it is entertaining if you are able to suspend your belief in the progression of mental health education.
Running Time: Eighty minutes with no intermission
At Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont
Written by John Kolvenbach
Directed by Marti Lyons
Performances are:
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:30pm
Thru April 21st
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Nomee Photography
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