BWW Reviews: FOOL FOR LOVE at Round House Theatre

Round House Theatre in Bethesda has begun its six-show 2014-2015 season with Sam Shepard's classic play, FOOL FOR LOVE, and it is a resounding start. Set in a grimy, desert town hotel room, FOOL FOR LOVE tells the story of two estranged but permanently linked lovers whose circular banter, betrayal and inherent desire to flee keeps them on a desperate trail.

Playwright Sam Shepard's characters are raw, simple, and broken. Central characters May (KATIE DEBUYS) and Eddie (THOMAS KEEGAN) have been in love and hate for fifteen years, and can never get it right. Circling outside of their relationship is the Old Man (MARTY LODGE) whose initially comedic interludes begin to give context, and Martin (TIM GETMAN) an unknowing interloper who just really wants to go to the movies.

In order to be successful, this script relies on strong performances, and making sure there is variance. DeBuys, whom I previously saw in STUPID f-ing BIRD at The Woolly Mammoth Theatre, seems to throw her whole soul and physical stamina into the performance. Keegan is both sarcastic and vulnerable, hard but conflicted. They make a great team, and looked exhausted at the end of the show. Given the subject matter, you can't blame them.

Lodge and Getman each perfectly contribute to this. Getman is comic relief, and just as much an audience member as those outside of the fourth wall. Lodge is gritty, the classic cowboy from old movies whose pride rules his every action.

Scenic and Costume Designer Meghan Raham has created a perfect set, down to water damage and a dingy blanket on the bed. Stars line the backdrop, and the motel sign is a great addition to the ambience. The set up truly makes you feel as though you're watching some sort of modern art installation, or an older television set.

When doors slam, Composer/Sound Designer Eric Shimelonis makes sure they echo throughout the theatre, and slide guitar and low music during the interludes keep the ominous vibe prevalent. Given the layout, there could be odd angles depending on where you're sitting, but most likely nothing that would take away that much.

This show is far from one you would want to see to feel better about life. It will bring out the raw emotions and make you glad you're not in the action itself. But at the end of it, you will have seen a collaboration that truly works. You will have seen a piece of life, dark and visceral in front of you, that, despite its desperation, has a beauty all its own.

FOOL FOR LOVE runs through September 27, 2014 at the RoundHouse Theatre in Bethesda. There is no intermission, and runtime is a little over an hour. To find out more information or purchase tickets, visit their production website.

Photo credit: Danisha Crosby