BWW Reviews: Premiere of THE STATE OF MARRIAGE

The St. Louis Actors' Studio and That Uppity Theatre Company have combined their efforts to close their season with the premiere of Joan Lipkin's (with collaborator JT Ricroft) original play, The State of Marriage. The title does double duty here, allowing for commentary on the current state of nuptial bliss (or lack, thereof) in our country, while also referencing the fact that there are relatively few states that are currently allowing same sex marriages to be performed. The show is structured like a surreal wedding reception, with the audience invited to join in the festivities, including the distribution of cake to attendees. But there are also serious messages about tolerance and acceptance that are being conveyed here, making this an intriguing project.

Just as a typical American couple are about to be pronounced man and wife, a powerful tremor shakes the very foundation. Dieta Pepsi, a plus-sized drag queen arrives to explain that that wasn't an earthquake we just felt, but instead the impending sound of social change. We're then introduced to several same sex couples who discuss their anger and frustration over the fact that they cannot share in the same benefits that heterosexual couples do. One couple decides to explore the idea of traveling to Iowa to tie the knot, since they're currently allowing legal same sex unions, and ends up recruiting a busload of similarly minded pairings to make the trip with him and his partner. Occasional interruptions to this thread occur in the form of musical numbers by a member of the local cabaret scene, a "Leviticus Limbo" game show, and choreographed tributes to Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".

Mike Van Allen and Laura Coppinger are solid as the straight bride and groom, and they enthusiastically offer up their differing viewpoints with a healthy dose of conservative dogma. Keith Thompson and James Slover are appealing as the couple who decide to carry out their plan, despite the fact that the union wouldn't even be recognized in their own state. Alice Kinsella anchors the show as Rabbi Appel, dispensing sensible wisdom throughout the proceedings. Troy Turnipseed contributes considerable energy, and stands out as the manic host of "Leviticus Limbo". Sally Eaton and Linda Levy Clark are also good as longtime partners who decide to take the marital plunge. Only Leon Braxton (aka: Dieta Pepsi) disappoints, delivering a listless performance that dragged down the show (pun not intended), and blunted any attempts at wit.

Additional support was provided by Carl Overly, Theresa Masters, Chris Brenner and Sara Hamilton. For this performance (June 19, 2010) Jeffrey Wright took on the role of the wedding singer and made fine work of "It Had to Be You" and "You Are So Beautiful".

Collaborators Joan Lipkin (writer/director) and JT Ricroft (assistant director/choreographer) have put together an unconventional staging that makes this piece more visually engaging, but which may actually weaken the overall message. Even though I prefer my theatre to be edgy and unique, I think in this instance that the more compelling material at the heart of this script might work better in longer playing scenes that allow the characters to more fully develop, and without all the distractions. I also think that the impact of the statistical information presented here would be heightened by delivering it as a dramatic coda.

Patrick Huber's set and lighting had lost some of its flair by the time I was able to see the show, and the vast array of tacky wedding dresses that covered the walls were limited to a single row at the rear of the stage due to the demand for seating. Angela Grewe and Joan Lipkin's costuming, especially the hideous gowns the bridesmaids wear, also adds to the fun.

 

 

The State of Marriage continues through June 20, 2010.

 

 

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