"Pieces" Continued
“Pieces”
By Chris Phillips
Directed by Brian Zimmer
Reviewed by David Roberts, Chief Critic
Theatre Reviews Limited
[Review Continued]
Shane’s death is redemptive and revelatory. Just before his death, Rory discovers that it was Jonathan who killed Stephen when Stephen was attacking Shane. Shane dismembered Michael’s dead body to protect Jonathan, his “gay uncle” who though he introduced Shane to Michael, did in some way care for him. The paper flower is a reminder that Shane did know what he needed to do to move on with his life: he did know how to dig in the earth and create beauty. Jonathan did not really know Shane. Even they stereotyped one another and kept one another at arm’s length, afraid to connect, afraid to get close.
We have to know ourselves, define ourselves, step out, crawl out , claw our way out of the roles we have allowed ourselves to be placed in. We have a culture, we have a language. We need to get our hands in the dirt of our identity and give life to who we are: no one else (straight or gay) can or should have to do that for us.
And, from this critic’s point of view, Mary Hamilton is simply wrong. Others should have been charged not only for Stephen’s murder but for Shane’s suicide. Other leads need to be pursued before any more “geeks, trolls, pretty boys, or twinks” throw themselves off bridges real or imagined. Rory and Mary wish they didn’t have to be on opposite sides professionally or culturally. That is a comforting thought but that divide will not be easily crossed.
This cast of five actors, whether drowning in pools of light or concealed in the shadows of secrecy, are capable of articulating emotions with a mere glance or the strength of a trembling hand pressed against the back of a sorrow-filled soul. Their work is sincere and uncompromised and they are committed to the words of the playwright. They transfer his thoughts and deliver them like a hot branding iron making an indelible impression on your mind that you will remember long after you leave the theatre stunned but not confused. Concealed in this crime drama, the playwright throws some hard punches that might hurt, but you never feel beaten, rather you feel inclined to step into the ring. The powerful and insightful voice of Chris Phillips has arrived and it is time.
We need to begin to love one another without judgment and without condition.
PIECES
Presented by Resolve Productions and The New York International Fringe Festival. Written by Chris Phillips. Directed by Brian Zimmer. Sound design by James Ledesma; lighting design by Samantha Szigeti; stage management by Hannah Roth.
WITH: Paolo Andino (Jonathan Nielson), Joe Briggs (Nick Goff), Jonathan Gibson (Rory Dennis), Nina Millin (Mary Hamilton), and Chris Shane Holloway).
All performances take place at The Cherry Lane Theatre (Main Stage), 38 Commerce Street (7th Avenue and Hudson Street) in New York, NY. Tickets are available at www.fringenyc.org or 866-468-7619. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Senior and Fringe Junior tickets available at the door for $10. Running time: 2 hours with one 10 minute intermission.
Remaining Show Dates
Wednesday, August 15th @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, August 16th @ 4:30 pm
Sunday, August 19th @8:00 pm
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 | Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 |
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