Milwaukee Chamber Theater advertises its production of Wendy MacLeod’s Things Being What They Are as “a quirky bromantic comedy.” Although the term “bromantic” may indicate to some a romantic attraction between two men, that’s not the case. These are simply two guys who live on the same floor of the same condo building, and “bromantic” represents the deep friendship that develops between them.
Much of what they discuss in Things Being What They Are can be labeled “guy talk.” Thankfully, most of it is very funny. From the beginning, these men have few mutual interests. But they become friends anyway, more out of necessity than anything else.
Things Being What They Are debuted a number of years ago at the Seattle Repertory Theater. In 2003, it also had an extended run at Chicago’s prestigious Steppenwolf Theater. The current production is having its Milwaukee premiere.
As the play begins, Bill is just moving into his New Jersey condo, and he receives a welcome-to-the-neighborhood visit from Jack. Although Jack appears to be looking for a beer and some juicy details about the new neighbor, it soon becomes clear that something else is afoot. You see, Jack is planning to become a permanent fixture in Bill’s condo. It’s a retelling of the Odd Couple theme: Bill is as tidy and polite as Jack is sloppy and obtuse. Bill is Felix to Jack’s Oscar.
At first, Bill tries (unsuccessfully) to usher Jack out the door. Jack, meanwhile, ignores these hints and asks for another beer. He discovers that Bill is a rising executive who is making a career move for his company. Bill’s beautiful wife, an actress, is supposed to follow him to New Jersey in a few days.
Although Bill doesn’t ask, Jack reveals that he moved to the condo after the break-up of his marriage a few years ago. Divorce, he finds, isn’t what he thought it would be. “All the women I’m attracted to are already married,” he moans.
The constant patter between the two guys comes off very naturally, a compliment to young director Michael Cotey. Nothing in the actor’s movements or dialogue seems hurried or forced; Cotey does an excellent job of setting the right pace.
During their conversations, the guys veer from the traditional topics (sports, TV shows) to the very personal. Jack (as we already know) isn’t shy about discussing his divorce. He admits that he was substantially responsible for his separation from his ex-wife and kids. Bill hints that he and his wife are going through rough times, too. He notes that she has been seeing someone else. Their move to a new state is supposed to end her infidelity. This revelation certainly piques Jack’s interest.
MacLeod’s play is primarily a comedy, but it does have poignant moments. Without revealing too many twists in the plot, both men have faced tragedy along the road. Jack, we learn, has just received bad news from his oncologist. He is shattered at the thought of going through cancer treatment alone. Bill offers his concern and assistance, which Jack reluctantly accepts. Bill offers to pick up Jack after a biopsy. It’s unfortunate (for Jack) that Bill forgets what day he was supposed to get his friend at the hospital. But this is a good thing for the audience, who are treated to Jack’s hysterically funny tale about his eventual return to the condo. This priceless monologue is so vividly told by Katula that the audience’s laughter builds to a hearty roar.
Actor Ryan Schalbach, as Bill, is equally up to the task of creating a quiet, thoughtful man who admits to being deeply in love with his wife. One of Bill’s final speeches, about the tradeoffs one faces between providing a comfortable life or a creative one, is nicely handled.
The play’s set is an expansive condo, complete with bedroom, living room and kitchen. Hardwood floors and a fireplace indicate that this is not an inexpensive living space. One marvels at how such a large and detailed set can be constructed in the Studio Theatre’s intimate space. Lighting plays an increasingly important role throughout the play as Bill settles in and his furniture arrives. Bill tries hard to create a nest that will please his wife, which makes the final scene all the more bittersweet. Although the play doesn’t break any new ground regarding the sexes, it is still highly recommended as a fun “date night” at the theater.
