Linda Vista is a neighbourhood in
San Diego, California and it is also the title of a new play by Tracy Letts. I
will not deal with the neighborhood but will say some very nice things about a
funny, dramatic and well-acted play.
Dick Wheeler (Ian Barford), the central character, at age 50 repairs old
cameras in a dinky shop and is not a happy man. He was a photographer for a
Chicago newspaper but now he is in the midst of a messy divorce and he does not
get along with his teenage son and considers himself a loser.
In his search for companionship, he gets involved with two women and both
relationships are disastrous for which he is responsible. He may have learned
something and there is some hope about his attempt at a third relationship but
that is left up in the air at the end of the play.
Photo: Joan Marcus
Barford gives a bravura performance. He dominates the action and he
delivers Letts’ many zingers, his dramatic scenes and emotional outburst
superbly. Barford can modulate his voice, show body language and reaction to
other actors brilliantly and almost make the show.
His first relationship is with Jules (Cora Vander Broek), an attractive,
sympathetic woman with a problem past. She falls in love with Wheeler but he is
incapable of solidifying the relationship and puts an end to it. The two engage
in quite explicit if simulated sex and nudity but manage to be funny much of
the time. Jules’ instinctive empathy and understanding of Wheeler are not
enough to get through to his feeling of inferiority. Marvelous work by Broek.
Wheler gets involved with Minnie (Chantal Thuy), a young, abused,
pregnant Vietnamese woman who has been thrown out by her boyfriend. She
eventually dumps him and his dramatic begging for her to stay has no effect on her. Thuy’s character is somewhat
mysterious, perhaps because of her awful past
but the actress does excellent work.
The connecting scenes and much comedy is supplied by Wheeler’s long-time
friend Paul (Jim True-Frost) his wife Margaret (Sally Murphy) and his boss Michael
(Troy West). His co-worker Anita (Caroline Neff) plays a more significant role
at the end of the play. All do fine jobs in their roles.
From left: Jim True-Frost, Cora Vander
Broek, Ian Barford and Sally Murphy.
Photo: Joan Marcus
Letts touches on politics, sexual harassment and current events. There
are intelligent comments about the definition of photography and the distraught
Wheeler talks and argues vehemently about his former profession. He can be
passionate, argumentative and extremely unpleasant.
The play takes place in Wheeler’s apartment which has a kitchen, a
bedroom and an exit door. We also go to a karaoke bar, a gym and a couple of
other less-well-defined venues. Set designer Todd Rosenthal creates a revolving
set with four playing areas that can be quickly changed when we are watching
another section.
Linda Vista is directed ably by Dexter Bullard and
provides a very thoughtful and highly entertaining night at the theatre.
_________________
Linda Vista by Tracy Letts in a Second Stage Theater in association with
Center Theatre Group continues until November 10, 2019 at the Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W 44th St, New York, NY
10036
James Karas is the Senior Editor - Culture of The Greek Press www.greekpress.ca
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