Broadway has a superb psychological thriller in “BUG,” making an extraordinary premiere at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (W. 47th Street). Presented by the Manhattan Theatre Club, it is a riveting drama, skillfully crafted by playwright Tracy Letts, that takes you down a rabbit hole of drugs, sex, paranoia, and corruption. Letts brings you into a world where Agnes, a lonely waitress, appears to have a chance meeting with a drifter named Peter — but is it truly by chance?
Each character is dealing with serious issues, and what starts off as a strange connection builds into an emotional dependency that will take them and the audience on a psychological, twisted, tragic thrill ride no one will ever see coming or ever forget.
Everything about this play is intensely written and acted, so it is also felt by the audience on a level you won’t believe. This psychological thriller will have you buying into the characters’ delusions and paranoia at a level of commitment that will keep you grounded in the story — and madness — you are seeing unfold right before your eyes.
The cast is absolutely stupendous! Carrie Coon is stellar as Agnes. She is completely vulnerable, broken, and desperate. Her character has suffered a great deal of trauma and needs something to believe in, someone to hold onto and trust. Namir Smallwood as Peter brings an intense mindset to the role. He takes the audience through every emotion, paranoia, and response that his engrossing character has in reaction to the things he perceives as happening to him through outside and inside forces.
The chemistry between these two characters is fascinating to behold. Each cast member plays a vital role in systemically moving this story along. Steve Key is incredible in the role of Jerry, Agnes’s abusive ex-husband. Jennifer Engstrom is poignant as R.C., Agnes’s best friend. Randall Arney is quite effective as Dr. Sweet, Peter’s doctor.
David Cromer’s direction is unnerving; this play will leave you stunned, fully knowing you have seen something the likes of which you have never seen before on Broadway.
On the technical side, every aspect of the play is in sync with the intensity of the story, including scenic design by Takeshi Kata, lighting design by Heather Gilbert, sound design by Josh Schmidt, and hair and makeup design by J. Jared Janas.
Let me warn you: This play is strictly for an adult audience.
For ticket info, visit manhattantheatreclub.com.