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Jun 13th

REVIEW: ‘Desperate Affection’ has an ending but not a solution

Saturday, 09 June 2012 12:45
BY STUART DUNCAN
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
OFF-BROADWAY REVIEW

Two-character plays are often difficult for an audience. There is the distinct possibility that you may like one character more than the other. Or, indeed, dislike them both. “Desperate Affection,” by Bruce Graham, which has just opened at Hopewell’s Off-Broadstreet Dessert Theatre, leaves no doubt – you really wouldn’t want to take a meal with either of the characters, far less spend the entire evening with them.

You see, Richard (no second names needed) is a professional hit-man who has deliberately selected Maddie to romance, since her apartment has a perfect view of the precise spot where he intends to kill the President. He has no hesitation in telling you how well he comes recommended and what a superb professional he is.

Maddie is an about-40 actress, not particularly successful since she seems to be still looking for her big break, but completely confident it will come. She talks a lot, apparently to cover up any misgivings. Both Richard and Maddie are perfectly willing to lie and cheat to achieve their individual ends. The problem is, or probably is, that apparently their affair has grown into genuine love and that little fact might well be an impediment for each. Maddie is more likely to talk about it; Richard seems more likely to act.

Playwright Graham dutifully sets up the conflicts—professionality versus passion—trust versus suspicion. And the OBT cast—Alison Quairoli and Jonathan Wierzbicki, under the direction of Lois Carr, explores the niches. Moments of tenderness alternate with episodes of angry voices. Fun and games are replaced by nasty implications. Playwright Graham finds an ending but not a solution. Director Carr and her actors handle the evening with rather casual aplomb, but, be forewarned, you may not like the ending—you may want to supply your own.

Feel free to do so.

"Desperate Affection" continues at Off-Broadstreet Theatre, 5 So. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell through June 30. Fri.& Sat. eves at 8; Sun. mats. At 2:30. The doors are always open one hour earlier for desserts and beverages. (609) 466-2706

RECENT REVIEWS BY STUART DUNCAN

REVIEW: 'Henry IV' at The Shakespeare Theatre makes history exciting

REVIEW: ‘Slippery As Sin' will have you roaring

REVIEW: 'Are You There, McPhee?' is fun-and-games

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