In prep for my interview with Anna Camp (who Charles Isherwood particularly singled out for praise in his general rave of the show), Janette and I saw The Scene at Second Stage. The buzz has been great on this since its Humana Festival premiere, so it was high on my list, and I have to say I wasn't disappointed.
The less you know, the better, but the general set-up is Charlie (Tony Shaloub) is an out of work actor, married to a perfectionist news show producer (Patricia Heaton), who is trying to get back into 'the scene'. When he and best friend Lewis (Christopher Evan Welch) meet young Clea (Anna Camp) at a trendy party, his world turns upside down - leading to a downward spiral that earns this play billing itself as a 'brutal comedy'.
Yes, American culture is narcissistic - yes, the industry can steal your soul - the general themes of the piece aren't necessarily groundbreaking. Yet the way Rebeck channels them into characters that you probably know from real life (at least, I sure could identify some of them) gives it quite an acidic kick. These are indeed themes we know of from life, yet they're still more relevant than ever & her focus brings an impactful perspective onto things. The dialogue was dead-on in most cases - Rebeck's dissection of the word 'surreal' throughout is delicious. Regardless of how overly cynical we might be in post-modern entertainment, it's still too easy to end up losing your soul to 'the scene'.
Isherwood sums it up quite solidly:
"In spheres both professional and sexual, former good guys like Charlie no longer aspire toward the things that bring fulfillment and satisfaction, but are seduced instead by the empty blandishments that have become the brands signifying success and worldly happiness: the hot blonde, the stratospheric paycheck, the limo and the access to the V.I.P. room. If you’re walking on a red carpet, does it matter that it paves the way to hell? "
The cast was across the board fantastic. Tony Shalhoub gives a tour de force, especially during an explosive Act 1 monologue where any trace of his Monk persona is blown right out of the water. Patricia Heaton is alternately fierce and devastating (in Act 2). Christopher Evan Welch gives a MASTER CLASS in comic timing & facial expressions - he has a number of priceless moments (and between this and Pain and the Itch is having a really terrific season!) And Anna Camp deserves all the raves she's getting. She's a fantastically wicked femme fatale & hits all of the vile notes perfectly. (Needless to say, I'm tremendously excited to interview her this week!)
It was also one of the most elaborate and nifty sets I've ever seen for an Off-Broadway show, either. And while Act 2 goes a little off the rails, it's nowhere NEAR Kate Burton dismembering Tony Goldwyn in a bathtub - the experience is still totally worth it. The Scene is a must-see, I'd say. I wouldn't be shocked if they tried to bring it in this season (though it would need to keep it stars, or else I imagine it'd end up facing the same fate as The Little Dog Laughed sadly.) I'll be pondering it for awhile.
At least, I'll be pondering for most of the evening - the hours of 8pm to 10pm tonight are booked. My beloved 24 is back, which means I can say goodbye to being free on Monday nights. Jack Bauer lives and has returned to save us all! :-)
Off to bask.
Peace -
/jt
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