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Parallel Lives
by Timothy John Papp
The Mermaid reviewed May 5, 2005
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| L - Paul Caiola as Lee, R - Rachel Eve Moses as Judith |
| Mark Finley's new play, The Mermaid, is a story about two people: Judith, a simple and virginal college co-ed who is coming of age in 1962, and Martin, a gay man approaching his midlife crisis in 1998. Finley draws thematic inspiration from classic authors, quoting Shakespeare's Pericles, Hamlet, and Twelfth Night, as well as Jean Girandoux's Ondine. And though The Mermaid does not live up to its own lofty expectations, it is nonetheless an enjoyable tale about the far-reaching consequences of the decisions that people make.
The play begins in 1962, with Judith practicing her audition piece for her university's upcoming production of Ondine. She is interrupted by Lee, a young gay actor with Broadway aspirations, and Reid, a clueless but charming athlete looking to boost his grade point average so he can stay on the team. Both Judith and Lee soon find themselves smitten with Reid.
Meanwhile, in 1998, Martin shares a drink with his actress friend Amy, who has just finished a rock opera version of Pericles. She is somewhat upset that Martin, an orphan himself, did not enjoy the classic tale of the Prince of Tyre's quest to find his orphaned daughter. Before long, Martin's boyfriend Ken joins the duo. A few years Martin's senior, Ken is ready to settle down and adopt a child, and he has found the perfect one. But Martin wants to try to find his birth mother and come to terms with his insecurities before becoming a father.
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| L - Derek Staranowski as Martin, C - Nathan Johnson as Ken, R - Karen Stanion as Amy |
| And so Judith and Martin stumble forward, making decisions that influence those around them—and that inevitably connect their two different worlds 30 years apart.
The biggest problem with The Mermaid is that neither Judith nor Martin has a very strong purpose. Judith wants desperately to play the lead in her school's play, and within the first ten minutes of the show, she has the title role secured. It is Judith's director, Evelyn Ducane, who prods her into action, including action with both Lee and Reid. And when Evelyn eventually turns her back on Judith and takes away her starring role, Judith simply rolls over. It is Lee who stands up for his embattled friend, winning her part back for her.
Conversely, Martin decides on his own to find his birth mother, yet he doesn't come to this decision until halfway through the play. And once he does decide to begin his quest, it is Ken who does most of the work for him. Perhaps Martin is merely afraid or insecure (as is implied), but there's no external manifestation of this internal conflict in the form of onstage activity. As a result, the play slows down considerably.
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| L - Nathan Johnson as Ken, R - Derek Staranowski as Martin |
| The ending is a bit thrown together and unsatisfying. Ken confronts Martin about his alcoholism, but it seems altogether unwarranted. The audience sees Martin drinking often, but never sees him acting truly obsessive about alcohol or being self-destructive because of it. Lee explains to Reid that Judy is headed to New York with Evelyn to pursue acting, but why is this talked about as opposed to being shown?
Veteran director Barry Childs seems to understand the weaknesses of the script, and has built a production that emphasizes all of the text's strengths. He aptly directs the talented cast, bringing the script to life. Rachel Eve Moses is easy to feel sympathy for as the naïve Judith. Gail Dennison's Evelyn is a particularly entertaining and commanding presence, and Nathan Johnson is perfect as "Mr. Perfect" himself, Ken.
The sparse but effective stage design by Michael Muccio (including a wonderful faux-wooden floor) and the period-appropriate sound design by Morry Campbell are also integral parts of the show's success, allowing audience members to lose themselves in both of the worlds in which The Mermaid takes place.
Despite the aforementioned flaws in the writing, Finley has created some very endearing characters and placed them in dramatic situations. The design team has provided a convincing backdrop for the story, and the capable actors perform marvelously. This is a very professional production, making The Mermaid a play definitely worth seeing.
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Where Eagles Dare Theatre
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Category: Drama
Written by: Mark Finley
Directed by: Barry Childs
Produced by: TOSOS II
Opened: May 5, 2005
Closed: May 29, 2005
Running Time: 2 hours
Theater: Where Eagles Dare Theatre
Address: 347 W. 36th St. ground floor
New York, NY 10018
Yahoo! Maps Directions
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Tickets: $15.00
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Creative Team
Written by: Mark Finley
Directed by: Barry Childs
Produced by: Marlon Hurt and Doric Wilson
Lighting Consultant: Aaron David Blank
Original Music and Sound Designer: Morry Campbell
Set Designer: Michael Muccio
Costume Designer: Chris Weikel
Stage Manager: Mark Barranco
Hair and Makeup Design: Jonathan Sobel
Cast
Paul Caiola as Lee/Will
Joe Tuttle as Reid/Mike
Rachel Eve Moses as Judith
Karen Stanion as Amy/Sue
Derek Staranowski as Martin
Nathan Johnson as Ken/John
Gail Dennison as Evelyn/Elizabeth
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