Review: THE REALISTIC JONESES at Thinking Cap Theatre

JONES AND JONES, MARRIAGE COUNSELORS

Living up to its reputation for Theatre La Quirke, Nicole Stodard's Thinking Cap is currently running Will Eno's THE REALISTIC JONESES; two couples with the same name so far off kilter that they may fall at any moment. Bob Jones could be dying, his wife Jennifer sacrifices for him. New neighbors inflict themselves: John Jones from non sequitur outer space and Pony Jones who's on and off like the back porch light.

Fast paced with myriad scenes, THE REALISTIC JONESES is an actors' feast and you can almost hear the lip smacking as Mark Duncan, Casey Dressler, Noah Levine and Gretchen Porro change a soap opera into a fascinating look into the why of people.

Duncan, effectively quiet, is the possibly, probably dying Bob Jones, dour, scared, demanding. Dressler is absolutely endearing as Jennifer Jones, frustrated, don't touch me, why can't we just talk as we lie under the stars.

Noah Levine and Gretchen Porro, on the surface the noisy, frantically joyful neighbors, John and Pony are the antithesis Jones. Levine has most of the laugh lines, and there are many. His descent from normality is extraordinary. Porro flashes as the hysterical kid in the candy store one moment and Medea the next. She may have you in tears.

Eno's script is demanding. It's adult and rewarding, with the bones of marriage, temptations and strengths on display in always fascinating depth. It received a Drama Desk Special Award and named Best Play on Broadway by USA Today. The Guardian named it the best American play of 2014.

Margaret Ledford excels as a director and she's just right with this production.

The multi level set of porch, patio and living room is by Alyiece Moretto with lights by Eric Nelson. Costumes by Nicole Stodard who also designed the sound with Margaret Ledford. Sound editing by Carey Hart.

THE REALISTIC JONESES is playing through May 22 at the Thinking Cap Theatre, the Vanguard Sanctuary, 1501 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale. 813-220-1546 www.thinkingcaptheatre.com

Photo L-R: Mark Duncan, Gretchen Porro, Noah Levine, Casey Dressler

Credit: Nicole Stodard

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