Play Review: Talley's Folly

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This past weekend I saw Theater J's production of Talley's Folly. I had no idea what the play was about, but I had the chance to see it for free, so why would I turn an opportunity like that down? Actually, a few weeks ago I had filled out a survey through the DCJCC for their version of Date Lab: I answered questions about my interests, what I'm looking for in a partner, and any deal breakers. If they found a match for me, they would set us up and send us to the theater with complimentary tickets. I figured, "If I don't like him, I still get to enjoy the show." No harm, no foul.

So I was actually set up! My expectations were low, seeing as I cared more about the play than the date. The man I met was punctual and polite, but there wasn't much more there. Conversation was stilted; as the extrovert of our pair, I felt like it was pulling teeth to keep a conversation going. Again, he was a nice man, but I was relieved when it was time to take our seats and we didn't have to continue talking.

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Now onto the show...First of all, the set was fantastic! You instantly felt like you were looking into a dilapidated boathouse, with floorboards missing, boxes and cans randomly piled up everywhere, two row boats laying around from lack of use, and English ivy climbing up the trellis of the gazebo design. Actually, in this case, this was the folly: Noun: Architecture. a whimsical or extravagant structure built to serve as a conversation piece, lend interest to a view, commemorate a person or event, etc.  

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Then John Taylor Phillips, playing Matthew Friedman, took the stage, and addressed the audience, breaking the fourth wall. His thoughts were all over the place, with non-sequiturs every few moments. He was very funny, although a hint of a southern accent would come in and out: I wasn't sure if he was supposed to be from the country or not. Sally Talley, his counterpart (played by Erin Weaver), was certainly from Lebanon, Missouri, with a thick southern drawl. They worked very well together, but their whole romance was a little hard to believe. First of all, they only spent a week together the year before; two people have a hot-and-heavy affair for just seven days and suddenly fall madly in love? I don't think so. Over the rest of the year (i.e. between their affair and this meeting that we're watching), he sent letters and talked to her Aunt Charlotte, but Sally never responded; the relationship certainly seemed one-sided to me. Although there was talk that they couldn't be together because he was Jewish and she was Christian, the real reason she had been avoiding him was that she didn't want to admit that she couldn't have children (a point which took WAAAAY too long to make; I guessed it early on in their conversation and she just would not spit it out!). BUT as luck would have it, after having a shitty childhood in Europe, Matt doesn't even want kids, so then they realize they can be together. Yay, happy ending. But I also didn't buy their kiss at the end. Phillips could NOT fake it. 

I am glad I got to see this play because I enjoy live theater. But there really wasn't much of a story, and since it's just two people talking in a boathouse, there's not much action, either. I'm not sure I can really recommend the show, but I do stand behind supporting Theater J. And because the DCJCC is under construction, this show is housed at the GALA Hispanic Theatre, which was quite beautiful. I had never been before, so I was especially glad to go to a new venue. Maybe you will be, too!