Reckless
The Theater Review Team of Ms. and Mr. Great Plotnik saw 'Reckless' last night at SF Playhouse. Following Plotnik's usual rules of combat, he would not normally turn in a review at all on this play, because though the play was only so-so, Plot really likes SF Playhouse and he would rather say nothing than say something uncomplimentary.
But these are not normal times. It's Christmas. No Say, no Pay. So, since the acting was good, here's what he'll probably turn in:
"Uh."
"Since Craig Lucas's 'Reckless' debuted in 1983, reviewers have not known quite what to make of it, and San Francisco Playhouse's new production (running through December 30) will not offer any further clues. The acting is superb, especially Susi Damilano's ditzy-then surprised-then loony-then born anew Rachel, around whom a series of entirely implausible plot events are orbiting out of control. When the final curtain comes down you stand to cheer the performances.
But ask yourself what message you just received from 'Reckless' and all you may come up with is: "Uh."
"The fact that Rachel's husband takes out a contract on her life on Christmas Eve, forcing her outside into a snowstorm in her pajamas and fuzzy slippers, after which she ends up driving in and out of every town in America named Springfield, accompanied by a man in a Santa Claus suit, might work on a TV sitcom, if Santa Claus drinking himself to death were an acceptably cheery December TV topic. One thing we can say for Rachel's husband: the contract on her life breathes new life into our eternal search for a novel Christmas present.
"Damilano and Cat Thompson work beautifully together (as did Mary-Louise Parker and Rosie Perez in the 2004 New York production); outstanding as well are Rod Gnapp as Lloyd and Lorraine Olsen as a secretary with an entirely unexpected agenda. Taken as a whole, the first rate cast almost rescues a forgettable play."
For Plotnikkies, here is a special postscript for your ears only:
A ticket is $36. But a half price ticket will be available soon at HOT TIX. A movie is $10. 'Reckless' for $18 is much cooler than a movie for $10. For $18 we jump.
posted by DAK @ 3:34 PM
4 Comments:
But where are today's baby pictures?
Message? How about the merry/merry xmas music with all those great plot twists? I'm quite sure you won't like "The Secret Lives of Dentists" either. We both really enjoyed this play, so I hope you won't discourage people w/ your review. OK, the message: we really don't ever get to KNOW anyone, even the people closest to us. Does that work?
I agree with Mary Ann about the message. However, it helps to think of this as a work in progress rather than as a finished play. I know, 1983 debut -- but the 2nd act falls apart in a way that suggests to me that Lucas was desperately searching for a way to end the play as well as he began it. The other message that the play offers is that "things happen for no reason." Lucas's insistence on tying up all the loose ends in the 2nd act (loose ends that no one really cares about) undercuts this message and leaves the playgoer -- you said it, Plottie -- thinking "Uh." So I'd recommend "Reckless," with a caveat, to experienced playgoers but not to novices.
Thanks so much for coming to see AND review Reckless! As far as the implausibility of the plot, I have to say that when I began working on the role, I agreed. I mean, c'mon, how could this ever really happen? Then, at our first Wednesday preview, I left the dressing room to find the theatre empty, except for one woman who was standing there with tears in her eyes. She said "thank you for saving my life".... Six years ago, a few days before Christmas, her husband pulled a 9 millimeter out on her, she ran from her home in her robe (hers was purple) and has been moving from town to town ever since. So much of this play follows her real life, that she thought it was based on a true story! At first none of us believed her, and thought she was some sort of theatre angel, especially when we realized that we'd made a line fumble that night by calling the gun a 9 millimeter and when she said her friend that she called was also named Jeanette. This play gave her hope. It showed her that if Rachel could survive, so could she... Anyway, for me, I do theatre to move people, and when I go, I want to be moved. Meeting this angel has added a whole new level to my acting experience and I hope you find it as special as I do...a little magic for this crazy Christmas play!
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