Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
Terrence McNally's humble pair, a waitress and a short-order cook, have so much in common they could be twins. All signs urge them to bond. Trouble is, gung ho Johnny's running on fast forward, and Frankie's backpeddling like mad (she'll stay for the credits - i.e. the one-night stand - but may choose not to see this movie again). Can the couple last? Do we, as Johnny swears, have "just one moment to connect"? McNally keeps several possibilities open, though bringing on Debussy's limpid "Clair de Lune" at just the right instant tends to tip the scales. The play has nudity and language worthy of a stevedore. So it's not for everyone. Nonetheless, Ion Theatre could give its stellar, off-night production an open-ended run. Though their characters are far apart, Jeffrey Jones and Deanna Driscoll function as one being: he charging, she retreating (though not completely). Both create tiny gaps in their characters: Jones deftly leaves a tiny doubt about Johnny's sincerity; Driscoll, just as deftly, gives reluctant Frankie a smidge of hope. (Note: Due to popular demand, Ion has extended the run of Frankie and Johnny.)
Critic's pick.
When
Ongoing until Saturday, June 19, 2010
Hours
| Thursdays, 8pm |
| Fridays, 8pm |
| Saturdays, 4pm & 8pm |