Like Unsalted Popcorn

The Roommate – Downstairs Theatre @ Steppenwolf

 

Jen Silverman’s two-hander about a couple of middle-age women, each from very different backgrounds, who decide to share a house together in rural Iowa, premiered at the Humana Festival in Louisville three years ago. There it was greeted as a refreshing twist on Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” while humorously addressing many of the problems faced today by women of a certain age. In Steppenwolf’s production, guided by guest director Phylicia Rashad, the tensions and raised stakes get swallowed up by John Iocovellli’s beautifully detailed, but far too voluminous, scenic design.

Silverman’s comic drama is a tightly told tale, filled with humor and heart, but it should be focused upon the relationship that develops between its two very different characters. Instead it’s like an extended sitcom script, filled with gags and jokes. Also, this interpersonal drama might’ve played better had it been staged in Steppenwolf’s more intimate Upstairs venue. Indeed, at Actors Theatre of Louisville, the production was more modest and primarily revolved around a simple kitchen table. In Steppenwolf’s far more elaborately staged version, the two actors become dwarfed by the cavernous room in which they cohabit. This kitchen, laden with chotchkes and homey furnishings, is larger than many Chicago apartments. From the look of this one room, Sharon’s Iowa house must be the size of the Palace of Versailles. As a result, we lose many of the small, personal moments that Silverman was trying to convey.

That’s not to say that there’s anything lacking in the excellent performances delivered by two of Chicago’s finest actors, both Steppenwolf company members. Sandra Marquez, skillfully and effortlessly plays Sharon, a divorced, conservative, Iowan housewife and mother. This empty nester has decided to enter a new phase of her life by becoming a landlord, offering an affordable room to rent for another single woman “in her sunset years.” Answering Sharon’s ad is Robyn, a strong, somewhat quiet woman from the Bronx. She’s played to perfection by the always magnificent Ora Jones. From Robyn’s initial over-the-phone introduction, the two women seem to be quite alike, but Sharon soon discovers that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Robyn’s a little reticent when she first arrives, especially when Sharon begins battering her with questions about her past. Robyn, as it turns out, is a woman of many mysteries. However, like an onion, her layers are gradually peeled away throughout the 90-minute play, eventually revealing many facets of a most unique woman. Eventually, Robyn exposes Sharon to a life that she never expected to experience; and the cautious Iowa housewife soon begins to swing further to the left than she ever anticipated.

The lives of middle-aged women is a subject that the stage and screen hasn’t really dealt with, until lately. Jen Silverman’s somewhat stilted one-act is interesting, in that respect. But the play, while humorous, is episodic and predictable. Each scene, which indicates the passage of time and gives the actresses an opportunity to change costumes and introduce new props; but, unfortunately, it makes the play feel choppy and uneven. The scenes also feel gimmicky, with the constant revelation of some new, surprising piece of information about Robyn’s past introduced in each. It doesn’t come as much of a shock when stick-in-the-mud Sharon decides to shed her cocoon and become a butterfly, under Robyn’s coaching. It’s only when the Iowan hausfrau crosses the line that the adventure finally ends; however, the final moments of the play suggest that Sharon’s new lifestyle will continue, even without Robyn by her side.

It’s refreshing and eye-opening to enjoy a new show about the lives of middle-aged women. Jen Silverman’s two-character play certainly has the potential to be that play, but she’s, unfortunately sold out to the sitcom format, instead. This particular production is further complicated by a scenic design that, while beautiful, overshadows the characters and their story. The performances are strong and spicy, but the overall effect is like eating a bowl of unsalted popcorn: filling, but not entirely satisfying. 

     

Somewhat Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

 

Presented June 21-August 5 in the Downstairs Theatre by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Steppenwolf box office, by calling Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or by going to www.steppenwolf.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.