From the moment the actors hit the stage,“Becky Shaw” playing at the Second Stage’s Hayes Theater on West 44th Street is a wild ride of a revival. The play, by Gina Fionfriddo, demonstrates human dysfunction in its most funny, feisty, and quick-witted manifestation. These characters bring the meaning of dysfunction to a new elevation.
Set in 2007 in New York City and Providence, Rhode Island, we meet Suzanna Slater and her best friend Max Garrett in a hotel room as they and her mother, Susan Slater, have come together to deal with the estate of her late father. Her mother has come with her boy toy, of whom Suzanna does not approve. The tension between mother and daughter is very vividly demonstrated. Max tries to be the calming force between them. Suzanna has an interesting relationship with Max, who is quite controlling and cynical about life. He does not have the capacity to handle when people around him get emotional, and is incapable of emotional support. Suzanna meets and quickly marries Andrew, a man who is very comforting in times of distress. Suzanna and Andrew set up a blind date between Max and Becky Shaw, a woman who works at Andrew’s job. When they meet, Max is very intimidating to Becky. Watching the interactions between these characters is a wild ride that will have you laughing, shocked, and at times dismayed.
Suzanna is very fragile emotionally and her mother Susan is not one to coddle her. Their relationship is often strained. For Susanna’s entire life, her mother has suffered from a chronic illness and while she is not close with her mother, she still worries about her health.
The characters have some very raw moments. Everyone tends to put their cards on the table in ways that will astound you, but also keep you laughing and incredibly entertained. This play, however, might make you think twice before considering a blind date. It is funny to watch how dysfunctional people feed into each other’s problems.
This script is skillfully and amusingly handled by this stunning cast. Madeline Brewer gives a powerful performance as Becky Shaw. Her character is very needy, but she is also very calculating. Alden Ehrenreich is scandalously straightforward, insensitive, and even cruel as Max Garrett. Lauren Patten is captivating as Suzanna Slater. She is someone who has a huge emotional dependency on those around her, but it’s partially because no one has truly tried to take care of her emotional needs. Patrick Ball is memorable as Andrew, Susanna’s husband, who loves to be the arm for a woman in trouble to lean on. Linda Emond is feisty, funny and practical as Susan Slater, Suzanna’s mother. Her character does not pull punches.
The technical team is marvelous and includes scenic design by David Zinn, costume design by Kaye Voyce, lighting design by Stacey Derosier, and sound design by M.L. Dogg.
You need to make plans to enjoy this production. For tickets visit 2st.com/shows/becky-shaw.