The Fourth Walsh

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the World Premiere of FAULT.

An affluent couple are partners in marriage and business. When Jerry arrives home to celebrate his biggest deal ever, Lucy shocks him with her own big deal. Both surprises force them to reevaluate their relationship. As they dissect their past to determine responsibility, they coerce a guilty bystander to judge the wreckage for fault.

Playwright Scooter Pietsch pens a tale of domestic unrest. Pietsch’s script has a “War of the Roses” meets “Philadelphia Story” vibe. A high-powered couple trading barbs with curated disdain. His initial set-up is so clever, I gasp. Following that first shock, the narrative settles into a comfortable story. The stakes and tension don’t feel particularly high. Some elements of the story -like one billion dollars- temper the overall angst. Money may not buy happiness, but a billion dollars can make dissatisfaction far more comfortable. And although the humor amuses, it lightly coasts back and forth between madcap and witty. The drama lacks edgy; the comedy lacks laughs.       

Director Jason Alexander orchestrates the marital woes between Enrico Colantoni (Jerry) and Rebecca Spence (Lucy). The conflict is immediately obvious. Yet, it never reaches a fever pitch. Colantoni and Spence spar with an intellectual prowess while a hapless Nick Marini (Shaun) tries to escape the-misery-loves-company condo. Colantoni and Spence’s debate unfold in kid gloves – measured and mannered. Instead of calculated, the game playing feels more routine.

Although FAULT tries for darkly comic autopsy of a marriage, it never gets too vicious or absurd. FAULT is like hanging out in someone’s swanky living room (by Scenic Designer Paul Tate dePoo III) while they drudge up their past indiscretions. Sure, it’s a little uncomfortable. Still, the view is nice and the messiness is someone else’s. Fault? It’s a draw!  

Running Time: Ninety minutes with no intermission

At Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier

Written by Scooter Pietsch

Directed by Jason Alexander

Performances are:

Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm

Tuesdays, Wednesdays,Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm

Wednesdays at 1pm

Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm

Thru May 24

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Justin Barbin

For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago