"...subtly nuanced and meticulously engaging"

April 10, 2005 performance, by Frances Benn Hall

Yasmina Reza's "The Unexpected Man" is now playing (weekends through May 7th, 2005) at The Main Street Stage in North Adams in a production that is subtly nuanced and meticulously engaging.

In structure, the play reminds one of a Friel play such as "Molly Sweeney" or "The Faith Healer;" the two characters, for the first two-thirds of the play, are developed through monologues. In its minimal, but beautifully suggested setting, this play could become static, but given the skill and dedication of the actors, who have worked almost a year in developing their roles, it never is.

The man, an aging but famous author, Paul Parsky (Bruce T. MacDonald) is bitter and angry at criticism of his latest book. He is also growing old and lonely. At first he scarcely notices the woman on the opposite seat on the train carrying them from Paris to Frankfurt.

Mac Donald vocally moves in and out, from explosive anger to gentler hurt, and eventually to mild interest in and speculation about the woman, gradually creating a character with whom we feel empathy.

The woman, Martha, played by Lynn H. Wood, seems easier to fathom at first. Recognizing the famous author, one whose every book she has read and admired, she is conflicted as to whether she dares take his latest book, "The Unexpected Man," from her purse although she had planned to read it on the train.

As she ponders her choice, her thoughts too drift in and out, flooded with memories, and fraught with loneliness. Wood is especially effective in her timing and vocal variety. As written, her character from the beginning is an appealing one, and she becomes more beguiling as the play (and the train) move along.

The play is so engrossingly presented that it seems much shorter than its 90 minute length. And far from becoming static, it moves steadily along in a carefully shaded development to an upbeat and on target ending that was not totally anticipated.

Director Patrick Bonavitacola has drawn from his actors insightful performances, giving us a play that is much more than just a simple story of two who meet on a train. This is the play's first regional performance although it has played successfully in London and Manhattan. It is well worth a trip to North Adams.

Main Street Stage | mainstreetstage.tripod.com
57 Main Street, North Adams, Massachusetts, 01247
Call (413) 663-3240 for reservations