MARK SAVITT REVIEWS THE REALISTIC JONESES Written by Will Eno Directed by Sam Gold Will Enos first work on Broadway, The Realistic Joneses is a gem. Attentive wife Jennifer Jones (Toni Collette) deals with all the messy details of her husband Bobs (Tracy Letts) degenerative disease. She wishes he would more realistically face up to his situation. A younger couple of new neighbors Pony (Marisa Tomei) and John Jones (Michael C, Hall) intrude into their backyard and their lives. Like Bob, Pony avoids and denies the uglier aspects of life. She freaks out when a dead squirrel is found near their feet. John wants to protect his fragile wife, but he seems to be phasing out and withdrawing into his own world. Enos playful language creates jokes that detonate slowly and sneakily, a very different rhythm than is usual for Broadway. These odd characters are forced to contemplate their own mortality and the beauty of nature in unsentimental but very moving ways. The play felt like Albee with tears. The four talented performers made the curious rhythms of Enos dialogue seem easy and natural, not an easy feat Id bet. Sam Golds sensitive direction polishes the gem nicely. HAPPY FACE EVA HEINEMANN RESPONDS: It is so nice to see one of our beloved off Broadway off beat writers make it on Broadway and with such a 4 Star stellar cast. I love the way he plays with language: oppositing it. David Zinns set makes you really feel like you are in a small town not far from mountains. Unlike most Eno works, this one your imagination can come to various conclusions.There is not a single WTF moment in this play. I really became enamored of all the quirks and foibles of the characters and really felt for them even at their most playful snarkiness. Kaye Voyces costumes brought out the characters as did the splendid direction of Sam Gold. Youll want to keep up on these Joneses! HAPPY FACE On Broadway at the Lyceum 149 W45th St. Tickets: 212-239-6200
Posted on: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 20:46:28 +0000
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