Swing State

By Joseph Cervelli 

There are some plays that just grab you from that very first scene and you are in their throes from then till the very end. This is true of quite a few classics,  but when it occurs with a new play it is a rare treat. One that comes to mind was the unforgettable two hander "The Light" back in 2019 about the tenuous relationship between a young couple. "Downstate" from last season was another.  Seeing as many shows as I do during the year if even one has this effect on me I am thrilled and if two do, ecstatic. 

Well, the new theater season which  started basically this past May and the first play that had that effect on me was "Saviour" at the Irish Rep. The very first scene was mesmerizing and the play along with the actors never let up. Well, thankfully, another has just come my way. 

    

At the Audible Minetta Lane Theatre comes the incredibly moving and emotionally exhausting "Swing State by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rebecca Gilman. It is not a political play thought does have to do with the government and purchase of prairie land in the state of Wisconsin. It is mainly the relationship between a depressed widow,Peg (an amazingly realistic Mary Beth Fisher)  in her early 60's or so and a deeply troubled young man in his early 20's  Ryan (an unforgettable Bubba Weiler) whom she and her late husband befriended since he was a child. Both his parents died when he was a youngster. At least, one of them died from alcholism which has plagued Ryan through the years. The play deals with  believing in someone and giving that person support and love hoping that the person makes something of their life. Despite troubles you never want that feeling of goodness you have  to wither away.   

From the first scene "Chekhov's gun" comes into mind. Only here, while Peg is in the kitchen (well designed by Todd Rosenthal)  making zucchini bread she contemplates suicide by playing around with a knife. As she puts it down,  Ryan comes charging in like a gale force wind. This deeply high-strung fellow who currently is driving a truck after he was released from prison for felony. He has to make sure he does not fall back into drinking habits which leads to associating with undesirable ex-friends. 

He becomes unhinged when he finds out that Peg whom is truly like a mother to him has made out her will. He wants no part of hearing any of this. Just focusing on Weiler with an expression of someone who is totally lost will break your heart.   

Things only get worse when Peg discovers that someone broke into her barn and stolen  prized tools and a rifle belong to her late husband. Of course, when Sheriff Kris (an excellent Kirsten Fitzgerald) who hates Ryan holding him responsible for the death of her son hears about this she is ready to arrest Ryan immediately. There is one other character that being the sheriff's niece and recently appointed deputy Dani (a lovely Anne E. Thompson). A kind of bond forms between Ryan and a caring Dani. Won't go any further.

Under the expert and immensely intense direction by the always wonderful Robert Falls, everything in this beautifully constructed play with both Fisher and Weiler giving performances (they play off each other with such believability) that will not leave you for a long time coming. 

No better play for me this season, thus far, than this one. 

Photos: Liz Lauren. 

Tickets are available at the Audible  Minetta Lane Theater 18 Minetta Lane. Limited engagement ends October 28.