'Strangers We Know': 2 1/2 Stars * * -

 

Word for Word shows are like no other live theater performances, because the entire cast is performing every word in a selected short story, including the 'he said' and 'she commented, while descending to the Metro.' As a result, the ensemble becomes far more important than any individual actors. Success or failure always hinges on the writing -- we already love the ensemble, because they're working so inventively, but do we also love the stories themselves?

With 'Strangers We Know,' at Fort Mason, the review is mixed. The first story performed is 'Mlle. Dias de Corta' by Mavis Gallant. It is interesting, but although Susan Harloe is a danged fine old Frenchwoman for someone who is not an old Frenchwoman, the story stays on one emotional plane. The message is subtle, and subtlety does not seem to work nearly as well as comedy in these productions.

'Which is More Than I Can Say about Some People," by Lorrie Moore, on the other hand, is hysterically funny. Sheila Balter and Patricia Silver (seen above) are a daughter and mother taking a car trip through Ireland, the daughter's marriage having dissolved and the mother determined to push on until she can make things better. They are a teriffic team, and there's a nice twist at the end. Moore's writing is full of insight and humor, and I'll bet you never knew what you really have to do to kiss the blarneystone.

Word for Word shows are always well worth the price of admission, just to watch the vocal and physical choreography of the cast. Maria Candelaria is great as the young heroine in the first story and she's a teriffic sheep in the second. Paul Finocchiaro looks grumpy as the dead husband in the first story and...come to think of it, he's equally grumpy as a leprechaun tour guide in the second.

The Great Plotnik Theater Awards Division awards 'Strangers We Know' a star for the Gallant and another one and a half for the Moore. There is talent in the Gallant but the Moore gets more.