BWW Preview: THE BEST BROTHERS Navigates The Absurdities of Life (and Their Accompanying Misfortunes)
By: Maggie Yates Nov. 28, 2014
How do you respond to a death that is tragic, untimely, and... absurdly funny? How do you explain to friends and family that your mother, in the case of Ensemble's upcoming production of Daniel McIvor's The Best Brothers, was crushed to death by a drunken drag queen named Piña Colada? Would you describe the circumstances in vague generalities to avoid drawing attention to the comic gem behind the loss of life? Or do you embrace the implausibility of the situation, forgive Miss Colada for her part in the accident, navigate this bizarre social anomaly (I'm sure even Emily Post would have to come up something creative), and take care of business?
The Best Brothers brings Kyle and Hamilton Best out of estrangement to handle their mother's affairs after the Piña Colada crush. The brothers' inability to find common ground on decisions being made during the funerary process leads to comedic frustration as they attempt to write an obituary, find the appropriate catering, and-most importantly-decide what to do with their mother's dog.
Ensemble presents the US premiere of The Best Brothers, a production in which the comedic elements are based in the juxtaposition of the ridiculous and it's accompanying misfortune. McIvor's play finds humor in dark moments. The Best Brothers is about dysfunctional family dynamics, which is widely relatable-but the extravagant and exaggerated inciting action makes the story fresh and exciting.
A comedy about the absurdity of life and the process of mourning, The Best Brothers approaches familial angst in the face of tragedy with humor and unexpected gentleness. Director Brian Shnipper describes the play as having "beautiful, intimate, and slightly surreal monologues that move an audience to tears." Cast includes Kasey Mahaffety as Kyle Best, and Michael Polak as his brother, Hamilton. The Best Brothers runs at the New Vic from December 4th - 21st (opening on December 6th).
Not one to be missed!
Ensemble Theatre Company presents: The Best Brothers
By Daniel MacIvor
Directed by Brian Shnipper
December 4-21, 2014, at the New Vic Theater
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