Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune treads some fairly well-worn terrain as it takes us to the precarious beginnings of a romantic interlude. We see instantly that the couple is sexually compatible; Frankie and Johnny are introduced to us while they are resting after a bout of vigorous sex. They are casual about their nudity -- writer Terrence McNally makes the point that it is not their bodies but their souls they tend to hide. Fearful of getting hurt, Frankie (Rosie Perez) is particularly suspicious of the overly communicative Johnny (Joe Pantoliano). Like a pair of fencers, they weave and parry throughout the entire play.
This "Seinfeld" of romances is fun to watch, as one warms to the idea that these lost souls may someday come together. They are not beautiful. They are not wise. They make crude jokes. They understand their place in the hierarchy of life: she is a waitress, he is a cook. They both long for something better, and McNally shows us that, with the proper support, Frankie may indeed pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. We hope she does. At the moment, she is not too sure of Johnny's intentions.
While Frankie and Johnny isn't a newly minted piece of writing, it still remains fresh. In a time when the personals columns in magazines and newspapers are more popular than ever, people are still looking for that perfect connection. Johnny believes he has found it, and he's not about to let Frankie let go of the brass ring.
The revival's original Broadway cast featured Stanley Tucci and Edie Falco. Now the roles are inhabited by Perez, a seasoned stage veteran known best for her Academy Award-nominated role in the film "Fearless." She is particularly appealing in this role, assuming an easy, natural manner. As Johnny, Joe Pantoliano (of TV's "The Sopranos") has the tougher assignment. He must be intentionally annoying at times, yet he also must show moments of tenderness and insight.
John Lee Beatty's realistic set is great at setting the mood without being distracting; Brian MacDevitt's lighting is also top-notch.
