Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

The mission of Bridge Theatre is to present the works of Canadian playwrights. On a double bill right now are "This is a Play" and "Never Swim Alone. Daniel MacIvor wrote both and both take place on an almost bare stage relying on light and sound to give us a sense of place - but this is where the similarity ends.

"This is a Play" is a wonderfully funny comedy about three heads of lettuce (played by three heads of cabbage the night of my viewing, presumably the understudies) that represent…well they don't represent much really. As we walk through this existential lettuce play what we hear are the thoughts of the actors voiced by three very powerful comic voices, Ester Barlow as our ingénue, Lori Jane Jefferson as our generic crusty, heart of gold older female and Robin Mervin as the "stranger."

As they comment on themselves, each other, and the play ("I wonder if he's sleeping with the writer“") every convention of the theatre is turned wonderfully on its head. Seeing this show will make up for every dreadful show or performance you have ever sat through. It should be required viewing for everyone in the theatre…or audience. With sharp direction by Jason Fraser and intelligent use of light and sound at every turn designed respectively by Andrew Rothschild and John McCullough Bridge has produced a certifiable winner.

The second show "Never Swim Alone" could not be more different. While it has its funny moments, it is a sharp commentary on the unhappy white-collar clone so many in our society have become.

Francis (Amos Crawley) and William (Dustin Olson), dress alike, have similar corporate functions, talk alike, to the point of saying the same words at the same time and happen to be the best of friends, and the worst of enemies. Childhood companions who used to spend every day at the beach 'til the day school began again have grown into full-fledged sharks living empty unhappy lives.

Their stories unfold as they engage in masculine competition. Stature, Power Lunch, Penis size etc. As they verbally and physically spar in their game of one upmanship a woman - a blond beauty played by Jennifer Laine Williams - referees them. She judges them as they compete. This is not a play in the traditional sense. It turns corners and changes directions and patterns.

Mr. Crawley and Mr. Olson are not to be missed. Both give intense, intelligent and emotionally packed performances. As so many of us do, they reveal what they try to conceal. An extra round of applause goes to Jason Fraser and his direction.

As I sat there mesmerized by these two men I was trying to think how best to summarize this unique work. I finally gave up. This show must be experienced. Don't miss it.