Review: ATGs THE WAY WE GET BY at Hamilton Stage is Smart Sexy Fun

"Nothing is obvious at a time like this."

-The Way We Get By

American Theater Group (ATG) opens their 2016 season at Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage with an excellent new play, The Way We Get By written by Neil LaBute and directed Kel Haney. Smart, sexy and fun, it is on a limited engagement through Sunday, February 14th so get your tickets now. The two-hander enjoys the acting talents of Turna Mete and Eric Clem.

In the show, it's the awkward aftermath of a passionate one-night stand between 20-somethings, Doug and Beth. There's a real chemistry between them, but the potential for a relationship has real difficulties. Neither of them has been successful in affairs of the heart, and commitment would be a big hurdle. To make matters worse, Beth is unhappy about her living situation with Kim, a controlling roommate. There are a lot of "what ifs," for this likeable twosome.

Eric Clem as Doug and Turna Mete as Beth are so convincing in their roles, you will believe that they are a real couple grappling with their issues. The pair has terrific onstage chemistry and they deliver the show's snappy, fast-moving dialogue wonderfully. The Way We Get By is a modern love story that is refreshing and appealing. Anyone who has dealt with passion and romance will relish seeing this show. It is a universal story of people's desire to love and be loved.

The creative team has done a great job of bringing The Way We Get By to the Hamilton Stage with set design by Bethany Wampol, lighting design by Nick Solyom, Costume Design by Nicole Slaven, sound design by Emma Wilk. Tiara Pitre is the Prop Master, Brian T. Sharron is the Technical Director, Meghan Fisher is the Production Stage Manager and Valerie Caniglia is the Deck Chief/Wardrobe Supervisor.

Note: The Way We Get By has adult language and partial nudity.

The Way We Get By will be performed at Hamilton Stage through February 14th. The performance schedule is Wednesday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. The theatre is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway with convenient on-site parking and just a 5-minute walk from the NJ Transit Rahway Station. UCPAC's theatres are in the center of the city's vibrant arts and restaurant district. Tickets for the show are $38 each. Student and senior discounts available. For tickets, call 732-499-8226; visit www.americantheatergroup.org or in person at the Union County Performing Arts Center Box Office at 1601 Irving St., Rahway.

About American Theater Group

American Theater Group (ATG) produces new and classic works primarily by American Playwrights with an emphasis on the development of new works and the rediscovery of undeservedly neglected older ones. They are a cornerstone of Rahway's Arts District and an independent member of the Union County Performing Arts Council, (UCPAC) For more information, visit: http://www.americantheatergroup.org/.

Photo Credit: Nicole Slaven

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