Playwright Eric Maierson raises the stakes high in the battle of the sexes in his three-hander play "Reprise." Michael (Ken Forman) has been in love with Erin (Tara Westwood) since they were in high school together. But that was thirty years ago. She has been married, and he has had a case of the blue balls for three decades. Things get complicated when Michael's testosterone-infused Russian friend, Leonard (Sean Patrick Folster) takes it upon himself to school Michael in the fine art of seduction. Things do not go well as first Michael and Leonard confront Erin when she comes to Michael's apartment.
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| Ken Forman as Michael Tara Westwood as Erin "Reprise" by Eric Maierson Paradise Factory Theater Through June 11th |
Mr. Maierson depicts extreme polarity in how to approach a woman in pursuit of love or sex. Leonard's approach is full frontal assault, with a heavy dose of paternalism and misogyny. Michael's default setting is chronic reticence. Complicating matters is the fact that Erin has some deeply hidden psychosexual scars that make it difficult for her to know what she wants, or to be able to ask for what she needs. These three actors have created powerful characters. Leonard is fairly two-dimensional, but he is written that way because he is basically a boor. Michael and Erin are more nuanced, and we see several sides of each of these complex characters - from tender to hysterical to petulant.
Mr. Maierson raises many issues of sexuality, identity, communication, longing, courting and seduction, and healing from trauma. As Director, the playwright has these three actors tuned like a
string trio that plays several movements in a variety of tempi and keys. Josh Iacovelli has designed a very workable and realistic set that is beautifully highlighted by the Lighting design of Daisy Long.
As I watched the tug of war among Michael, Erin and Leonard, I could not help recalling the song from "Camelot" - "How To Handle a Woman." All three characters would have been far better off if they had heeded the advice that Merlin gave to young Arthur: "Love her, love her, love her." Easier said than done.
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| Sean Patrick Folster as Leonard Tara Westwood as Erin "Reprise" by Eric Maierson Paradise Factory Theater Through June 11th |
The play run through June 11 at the Paradise Factory Theater, 64 East 4th Street, New York. This World Premiere of this fine play is well worth your attention and thoughtful reflection.
Reprise Website
Enjoy!
Al
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