Ive spent a lot of time in establishments that serve alcohol. Dont judge me.
This isnt a cry for help or anything. I only mention it to say that I have never been to a place like the Ticonderoga Room in upstate New York which is the set piece of the Crowded Kitchen Players latest offering, "The Bartender Chronicles." But on second thought, maybe I have been to a place like this. Maybe we all have.
Maybe its like any other place with couples sipping drinks while having private conversations, seemingly enjoying their days. The difference, though, is now we are given the opportunity to be that proverbial fly on the wall that we sometimes wish we could be. We dont have to wonder what THAT couple is talking about and if THAT couple is having a quarrel. We are given full access to intimate details about an array of things like deceit, lust, jealousy, and regret.
Brian McDermotts original play explores the cavernous and enigmatic idea of human relationships and how they can rear their ugly, and often hilarious, heads. McDermott has captured something rare here. Real emotion, performed with skill and guile by a highly talented cast in the hands of an accomplished director.
The set design is the first all-star of this production. The theater at the Charles Brown Ice House BECOMES this resort bar/restaurant, with hanging lanterns and dinner tables staggered at different levels, centered by a bar. It is a clever design which allows everyone to be seen and heard. The audience is so close they feel as if they are waiting for a table. Dont be surprised if you are offered a drink.
The director, Ara Barlieb, has concocted an environment in which the plot can jump from one couple to another, and has given his actors a place where they can be successful. The hard work by director and cast is evident, and we, the audience, are the benefactors.
Almost the entire cast plays dual roles, a different one in each act, and with a different partner. The idea allows them to explore the subtle nuances of personality. Each one of them is up to the challenge.
The juxtaposition of Thomas Rushs in-your-face flamboyance in Act One against his quiet, broken heartedness in Act Two is a highlight. Rush's ability to elicit belly laughs as well as unadulterated empathy is an achievement, both comedic and dramatic.
Brian Wendts turn as two different husbands provide some of the shows most hilarious and standout moments. Its nearly impossible to take your eyes off of him.
When the cast isnt delivering lines, they must continue their conversations on the side. Wendt does as much with this time as he does with his dialogue. Add in his physical humor, and his pairing with Rebecca Wenhold, and youre provided with one of the shows best twosomes. She matches his artistry step for step.
Patti Squire shines in her contrasting roles. Her characters are as different as they come in this production, but she expertly grounds them both as women teetering on the edge of an emotional precipice. From desperate to dysfunctional, she executes her personifications like an assassin, especially alongside Pamela McLean Wallace, whose cold-hearted nature is delectable to watch.
Nick Nelson is another pinnacle in this mountain range of a cast. His conflicted man juggling his ex-wife, played adeptly by Jeanie Olah, and his new woman, a bratty Alexandra Racines, is wholeheartedly fantastic to appreciate. You can feel his uncomfortableness, notably with Olah. The two complement each other beautifully, and it only heightens the voyeuristic machinations that the play provides. Nelson later does the same matched with Thomas as gay men in search of their blind dates. Its touching, and heart-rending, and a pleasure to lay eyes on.
McDermott himself is not only skilled with the pen, as he takes on two roles, both with panache. He is another side gabber not to miss, as his improvisational moments with Squire and Rush prove that not all of the comedic moments in his incantation were predetermined.
Susan Burnett brings a truck load of indecision and self-doubt to her first role, as well as an heir of grace to her second. She is a breath of fresh air every time she opens her mouth, even at her most languished moments, and her physicality only adds to the already rich proceedings.
Lauri Beth Rodgers southern belle with a chip on her shoulder opposite Wendt, Thomas, and McDermott are responsible for the bulk of the laughter exuded from the audience. The foursome is a tornado that you are happy to be swept up in. Contradict that role with her woman trapped in a fizzling marriage, opposite Greg Rogers, and she runs the gamut on the spectrum of feelings. Mr. Rogers is a capable version of the rich guy you love to hate, responsible for the idea of class warriors.
There are two actors that remain the same character throughout the play. John Cusumano is the title character, a drink slinger prone to sharing his romantic woes as well as break into song at a moments notice. He anchors the show with his steady presence as we follow his day through one hell of a long shift.
The final character is Steven Rosenblums Mr. Delacroix, who gets the very first chuckle of the show with his early entry, and provides Burnett the occasion for another one of the shows most amusing â"exchanges.â"
â"The Bartender Chroniclesâ" (at the Charles Brown Ice House in Bethlehem, 6/13, 6/19, 6/20, and 6/26 at 8 PM; and 6/14, 6/21, and 6/28 at 2 PM) is a rich tapestry of dialogue and personalities woven by Barlieb, McDermott, and this unbelievably talented cast. The saying goes at closing time in a place like this, that you dont have to go home but you cant stay there.
After seeing this production, you wont want to leave. They may have to call security to drag you out.