Review: THE WHALE at Unicorn Theatre

On Stage at The Unicorn Theatre is a 2012 play by Samuel D. Hunter called "The Whale" directed by Sidonie Garrett. "The Whale" tells the story of a morbidly obese middle age man named Charlie (very well played by Phil Fiorini) in his final days of life before succumbing to congestive heart failure. Medical science can possibly help Charlie, but he consciously chooses to leave a six figure inheritance to his only daughter rather than squander it trying to save his own life.

Charlie weighs 600 pounds. Charlie is an educated man who owns a Master's degree in English composition. He has supported himself well as an online tutor of composition. Charlie was once married to Mary who bore him a daughter that he adores, but has not spent any time with out of shame over his obesity. He has provided child and other support to his ex-wife.

The marriage ended when Mary came to know that Charlie was gay. Charlie was not always morbidly obese. His weight was under control when he lived with his same sex partner Allen. Allen was an adult student just a few years younger than Charlie. They waited until after Allen's term as a student before they acted on their attraction. We are told Allen passed away soon after from anorexia.

Liz (Cinnamon Schultz) is Allen's sister. Allen and Liz were members of the LDS church. When Allen came out of the closet, the church did not approve. Whatever happened contributed to Allen's anorexia and his death. Liz has fallen away from the church and Charlie began to eat. We can still feel her affection for Charlie.

Liz is a nurse and Charlie's only friend. She ministers to him as best she can, but the weight and heart failure are beyond her abilities. She begs Charlie to get professional help. He refuses.

There is a knock on the door. It is Jacob Aaron Cullum as Elder Thomas, a young Mormon on his compulsory mission. He is alone. This is unusual for Mormons on mission. Elder Thomas has been depressed by his inability to do good works. He is a nice young man who truly wants to help someone in the purest sense possible. As Charlie's health steeply declines, the young Mormon missionary returns several times at Charlie's invitation. It is possible that Charlie just wants the company.

Ellie (Daria LeGrand) is Charlie's seventeen year old daughter. She has not seen much of her Father. She is teenager angry. Charlie wants to get to know her before he dies. She believes Charlie doesn't care much for her. She is wrong Ellie learns that Charlie has been proudly watching her from afar.

Mary (Manon Halliburton) is Charlie's ex-wife. She is concerned about Charlie new desire to be involved with their child. Mary has a problem with alcohol and cannot keep a job, But one gets the idea that her anger with Charlie does not run very deep.

Sid Garret has done a very good job directing this excellent play. At times it is difficult to watch, but then it is supposed to be. It is certainly worth attending this excellent production.

"The Whale runs through March 27th. Tickets are available on the Unicorn website at www.unicorntheatre.org or by telephone at 816-531-7529.

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