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Closer
By Patrick Marber
Directed by Ronan Marra
Produced by Signal Ensemble Theatre
At Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division
Chicago, IL
Call 773-347-1350, tickets $10 - $15
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 3 PM
Special Wednesday performances at 8 PM
Dec. 6 & 13
Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through December 17, 2006
Frank look at relationship seers through brutal humor
In one of those little gems from the hip young troupe, Signal Ensemble offers a thrillingly fresh comedy of manners that gives a brutal, honest and raw, yet humorous take on our inability to sustain a relationship in the modern world. Patrick Marber’s 1995 savvy Closer is a funny, yet blunt look at modern intimacy. Adultery here is sport as betrayal is tolerated and forgiveness is expected. The four characters become intimately entwined as intimacy and love never completes any of these folks. Their passions rule their actions. Free sex demands no relationship will endure. Trust and loyalty can’t complete with lust.
Dan (Aaron Snook at his gentle best) writes obits for a living. He meets and instantly falls for Alice (the sexy Tammy Stackpoole) an American with a sordid past. She inspires Dan to write a book about her life. It launches Dan as a writer. Dr. Larry (Brandon Bruce in an eerily compelling turn) is in love with Anna (Georgann Charuhas, full of subtle charm and sexuality). Dan falls for Anna when she photographs him. Larry plots revenge when Anna leaves him for Dan. Larry entices Alice who has returned to stripping after she leaves Dan. Filled with lesser dialogue that often has looks and gestures convey the meaning, Closer shows how our longing for intimacy dominates us. The chat room scene projected on a rear screen works to deliver plot and sexual humor that rings true with the audience.
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I was stuck with the high quality of this production that uses video projections (by Julie E. Ballard) on Melania Lancy’s box set as well as stellar performances from Brandon Bruce and Aaron Snook with terrific support from Tammy Stackpoole and Georgann Charuhas. Smart writing, well played and funny is a fine formula for a play that stings us into thinking about how difficult getting close to someone rally can be. Director Ronan Marra has a tight, flowing piece that is rich in funny scenes as well as tellingly powerful glimpses into the nature of intimacy. This is a terrific date show. Signal Ensemble has mounted another effective show. At $15, Closer is a bargain.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date reviewed: November 20, 2006
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