The themes of love, life and loss are given an edgy, contemporary twist in Gina Gionfriddo's Becky Shaw. This searing comedy exposes the dark side of love in myriad ways.
The two main characters are Suzanna (Anne Miller), a spoiled daddy's girl who cannot deal with the sudden death of her father; and her "brother" Max (Joe Fransee), a cynical, foul-mouthed money manager. As a young boy, Max was taken in by Suzanna's father. Now in their 30s, Suzanna and Max must face their physical attraction for each other. Fearful that her romantic feelings for Max may force him to abandon her, Suzanna runs off with Andrew (Nigel Wade), an empathetic writer/coffee shop worker. After a whirlwind courtship, Suzanna and Andrew marry in Las Vegas -- without telling Suzanna's family. Once back in their Providence, R.I. apartment, the couple's relationship is nearly derailed by a needy co-worker, Becky Shaw (Rachel Lewandowski).
One discovers why the play is named for this innocently intrusive character. Her manipulative ways can be subtle or blatant -- whatever she thinks will work. In fact, New York playwright Gina Gionfriddo gives manipulative powers to all the female characters in this play. They also share a sense of financial insecurity.
Gionfriddo seems to be making this statement about women and money: If women are faced with financial poverty, they must use other methods (even devious ones) to ensure their survival. In fact, the only character to have a handle on his finances is Max
Although all the actors in this production have their moments, Joe Fransee stands out for his powerful performance as Max. Fransee's unpredictable behavior keeps the audience constantly on edge. He also delivers many of the show's humorous lines, such as his comment about Suzanna and her mother: "You two are the Middle East," he surmises, shaking his head.
As the events unfold in this smart, funny play, Gionfriddo demonstrates her natural talent for dialogue (albeit foul-mouthed). She breathes life into her quirky characters, revealing traits which will ring true with the audience. For all their oddity and foul language, many of the characters in Becky Shaw will remind people of someone they know. This may be the surprise hit of Milwaukee's spring theater season.
Although this is the first opportunity for Milwaukee audiences to see the play, Becky Shaw had a brief off-Broadway run in 2009 at Second Stage Theater. It also has played elsewhere in the U.S. and in London.
In the Milwaukee production, five actors are crammed onto the Boulevard's tiny stage. Thankfully, some artful staging by director David Flores gives the play a surprising fluidity. Perhaps this is due to Flores (as an actor) having trod this space many times. In his directing debut, Flores shows a keen understanding of movement and gesture, as well as dialogue. He manages to keep the play shadowed in shades of gray -- no small feat. He understands the playwright's view of a world that has no "good guys" or "bad guys." There are only flawed people trying to make the best of the hand they are dealt.
In addition to the actors named above, one also must mention the brief but memorable appearance of Christine Lathrop Horgen. She is cast as Suzanna's mother. Portrayed as a shrewish and addle-minded dowager by Suzanna and Max, Horgen shows the mother's humanity and dignity. To be sure, this isn't a mother one can easily dismiss. Her children may find her maddeningly "difficult," but Horgen shows she is wiser than they give her credit for.
Anne Miller
