Tom Gleadow (Max), Marianna Bassham (Charlotte), Jeanine Kane (Annie), Tony Estrella (Henry) in the Gamm’s “The Real Thing.” Credit: Peter Goldberg.
By Kim Kalunian, WPRO Arts and Entertainment
“The Real Thing” at the Gamm Theater is a real gem. Tom Stoppard has crafted a masterful piece of theater that examines love in all its forms: romantic, familial, carnal.
Stoppard’s play is funny and charming, but also a bit heartbreaking. With a unique, framework-like construction, it takes a moment for the reality of the play to sink in.
The show follows playwright Henry (Tony Estrella) on his romantic foibles with his wife-turned-ex, Charlotte (Marianna Bassham) and his mistress-turned-wife, Annie (Jeanine Kane). But the relationship is more complicated: Annie’s husband, Max (Tom Gleadow) is an actor in Henry’s plays and is starring opposite Henry’s wife. Confused? Don’t be, Stoppard makes the characters and switcheroos easy to follow and understand.
One thing I didn’t understand, however, is who I’m supposed to like in this play. Sure, all of the characters are interesting and human, but all of them, with perhaps the exception of Gleadow’s character, Max, were lecherous or adulterous (most of the time, both). Henry becomes the show’s protagonist, and I did find myself feeling for him, but always stopped asked, “Why?” After all, he was the one who cheated first, right?
Besides all of that though, the play is quite enjoyable. It’s a “the grass is the same shade of green on the other side as it is here” kind of play that serves as a bit of a lesson (one can hope) in relationships. And with Fred Sullivan. Jr.’s deft direction, the message is artfully presented.
For a witty, thoughtful and exceptionally written piece of theater, don’t miss the sardonic romantic dramedy, “The Real Thing,” which runs now through April 14 at The Sandra-Feinstein Gamm Theatre in Pawtucket. Click here for tickets and information.
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Kim Kalunian
