Beyond Therapy is a cynical comedy that tells the story of a man and a woman who meet through a personal ad. Playwright Christopher Durang uses the relationship between Bruce and Prudence and their respective therapists to offer a mean but comedic perspective on the limited usefulness of therapy.
At the opening of the show, both Bruce, Chris Hajduk (CAS ‘04), and Prudence, Kristen Krikorian (SFS ‘04), do seem to need the therapy they are both getting. As the plot develops, however, it becomes more apparent that their therapists-Charlotte played by Sorell Richard (SFS ‘04) and Stuart played by Adam Reese (SFS ‘04)-need as much, if not more, psychological help than either Bruce or Charlotte does.
Though directing her first play at Georgetown, Kristin Brudy’s (CAS ‘06) direction of the main characters warrants praise. Prudence and Bruce begin their relationship awkwardly enough and are then able to show the development of their comfort with each other as their relationship progresses.
Hajduk settles into his role as Bruce very well and never falls out of character. Krikorian exhibits a similar understanding of her role and her place on stage, although she could afford to relax. Her hand gestures become distracting, and she often leaves the audience wishing she wore a hair clip. Although she is perhaps too conscious of what she does between lines and at times seems to jump cues, Krikorian has a subtlety that she should trust in her portrayal of Prudence.
In the second act, two more characters enter-Bob, Bruce’s gay lover played by Brendan Snow (CAS ‘06) and the waiter Andrew, played by John Dzundza (CAS ‘06). Both easily join the confusion and chaos of the show, each knowing well the limit to which they can take their characters.
The scenes where the leading characters are joined onstage by their therapists are marked by loud, intrusive outbursts. Durang’s script gives a high level of manic energy to Charlotte and Stewart. Saying things inappropriate for their profession, they break the usual expectation of therapists as quiet and unassuming. These quirks are obvious and would work better if they trusted the script. The direction of Charlotte and Stewart creates stereotypical, two-dimensional characters, overemphasized both by the choice of costumes and manner of speech which seems implausible and overdone.
Limited by the size of its location, Beyond Therapy had little room for creativity within design, and they used what room they had successfully. The set, designed by Alex Hart (CAS ‘07) is framed by an unobtrusive city skyline, and sets a comfortable restaurant scene that converts easily into other locations without distraction or question.
Designed by Paul Hughes (CAS ‘04), the lighting fulfills its purpose well, never leaving an actor in the dark or drawing attention from where it should be, at the same time using the scene changes to have a little fun and add some interest. However, the music during scene changes, designed by Christina Goodlander (SFS ‘07) is at times distracting and neither relates to the last scene nor sets the tone for the next.
While the secondary characters do leave room for improvement, directorally, Brudy has served the play well. This production of Beyond Therapy captures the essence of the characters and the frustrations of the playwright. The comfort of most of the actors on stage projects the same comfort to the audience, leaving showgoers wishing they could watch a few moments longer.
Beyond Therapy will be performed in Bulldog Alley, in the Leavey Center, Jan. 29-31 at 8 p.m., and Sun., Feb 1, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8.
