Inexplicably, some contemporary classics fail to be produced on a regular basis. One such a play is the wonderfully touching Talley's Folly by Lanford Wilson. This tight two-person play is equally romantic, comedic, and dramatic. It proves to be a powerhouse when cast with two strong actors. Arizona Jewish Theatre Company has wisely added it to their season and given the reigns to gifted director Wanda McHatton, who has subsequently cast two local actors with the strength to carry the show. Watching this 97-minute play, done without intermission, confirms that other companies should have considered this all along.
The play is set in an old boathouse (the titled Folly) in the Missouri Ozarks on July 4th, 1944. We meet foreign-born, Jewish accountant Matt Friedman, who has driven down from St. Louis to rekindle a dormant romance with nurse and independent thinker, Sally Talley. Each no longer has the bloom of youth, and they know that this may be their last chance at romance. They are also two fiercely independent people who have a long way to march and many walls to raze so that they may meet at their demilitarized zone in the middle. Their hidden stories are difficult to express, but explain why they have always been single. Between Matt's self-effacing charm, and Sally's always-questioning mind, this could either become a perfect match, or a sadly missed opportunity.
Director McHatton has taken this waltz and measured the meter very well. She has paced the production carefully, and obviously nurtured the actors to allow them to create their welcome level of chemistry. She has also used Mike Brooks' impressive set to full effect.
Rusty Ferracane offers a genuinely loveable and slightly abrasive Matt. He bonds with the audience immediately, and while his character's tactics are sometimes brusque, he never allows us to stop cheering for him. His accent and mannerisms are very well handled, and his comic timing is equal to the best of his prior performances. The levels of his relationship with Sally are all strongly conveyed, and his difficult story expertly offered.
Robyn Allen is all over the strong-willed Sally. She has proven a natural choice for this role. She offers the double-whammy of deftly presenting the strength of her characters convictions, while easily being able to shift into the moments of the piece where her long-dormant softness and repressed troubles are brought to the surface. Her obvious connection with Mr. Ferracane on all levels makes this a very realistic and enjoyable evening.
While Mr. Brooks has once again found a way to create an amazing set in an awkward space, I couldn't help but miss the lush green of the surrounding woods often referred to textually. His Victorian Folly and surrounding dock, though, more than make up for this one small quibble. Nykol De Dreu's lighting brilliantly moves from dusk to evening. While Bill Osborne's sound design offers appropriate woods effects, the Independence Day marching band across the river to which they refer sounds suspiciously like a swing band.
One only hopes that with the success of this seldom-produced contemporary classic, others of equal power and stature will begin taking the stages of Valley theatres.
Production Details:
Talley's Folly by Lanford
Wilson
Arizona Jewish Theatre Company
The Viad Playhouse on the Park, Phoenix (For a
map to location, click this
link)
(602) 264-0402
February 17th - March 4th, 2001