Cheating 101

Nestled above a quaint sushi restaurant on West 72^nd Street lies a true off-Broadway gem that everyone can benefit from seeing. The Great Divide, written and directed by Charles Messina offers witty dialogue on a serious subject while adding a new spin to theater all at the same time.

 

 

Coined "reality theater," The Great Divide allows the audience to decide the fate of its character Paul (Ernie Curcio), who finds himself in a situation where he must choose between his wife and his lover. Although this style of theater is obviously derived from today's "reality" craze where audiences are constantly sitting in the driver's seat, the tactic works quite well and is not just a ploy to sell tickets. In fact, the "choose your own ending" becomes a secondary highlight to the play's heart wrenching look into the minds of average men and women who find themselves facing the consequences of cheating on the ones they love.

 

 

The fast paced, sharp and witty banter draws the audience into the characters in a very relatable way. You can easily place yourself up on stage as the friend offering advice or the person who has just cheated on their spouse after ten years of marriage. By the time it comes to choose the ending, the audience has so much invested into each character that the decision becomes much harder than originally intended. Do you choose what you believe is right, just and fair, or do you choose the ending you want to see? That's reality theater.

Johnny Tammaro (Max), Gina Ferranti (Sara),
Ernie Curcio (Paul) and Barbie Insua (Nicole) of The Great Divide.

 

 

However, apart from the creative conclusion to The Great Divide that makes it a must-see, the script and performances by all four-ensemble members cannot go un-lauded. 

 

 

Charles Messina, the writer and director of the play effortlessly gives the audience a slice of life that strikes accord in everyone's heart. He tackles a tough topic with such ease yet still manages to make the audience think. What is cheating? Is it definable? Is it different for a man than compared to a woman? Is it right to admit emotions even if no action has taken place? Where is the line drawn and when has deception officially occurred? Best friends Paul and Max (Johnny Tammaro) toss these questions around in a meek attempt to find a simple answer. It is refreshing to see Messina's beautifully written and superbly acted character of Max. When Paul admits to having feelings for another woman, Max provides answers that are real. He offers gruff support interwoven with humor that drives the point home. When Paul asks if he's the only man to have feelings for another woman, Max, in his wise guy yet endearing way snaps back with, "No, but you're the only one stupid enough to admit it." Max in so many ways is Paul's rock and support system, someone Paul can count on to set him straight. The chemistry between the two characters is something to cherish, as many audiences are used to only seeing this sort of relationship between women friends. The support, respect and dare I say it, love between Paul and Max is admirable and something that we can all strive for. It is invigorating to see it celebrated between men.

 

 

The most impressive element to both the script and acting was the intelligence within it. Dialogue was written like a song while at the same time making the audience look into the dark areas of their mind they never wanted to explore. Sure, there are parts to The Great Divide that will make the audience squirm, but that's why the play is so good.

 

 

Paul and Max at one point engage in an orchestrated back and forth dialogue that leaves a lasting impression. Both men go point for point about the benefits of old versus new love. While Paul touts that new love is exciting, alive and everything you could be, Max eloquently canters back saying that old love is stable, honest, safe and everything that you are.

 

 

So what is cheating? The Great Divide simply explains that there is no clear cut defined answer. If there was, it wouldn't be so hard to figure out. Even if the answer remains unknown, The Great Divide will continue to make audiences think, ponder and choose – not only for the characters, but for themselves.

 

The Great Divide is playing at the Triad Theater on West 72^nd Street between Columbus and Broadway. Performances run through June 29^th on Mondays and alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7pm. Please call 212-352-3101 for tickets. 

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