Richard Greenberg’s new play, “Sweet and Sad,” currently running at Profiles Theatre, is exactly what its title says it is: little bit sweet, a little bit sad, a little bit relevant, but not really much of anything. Set on September 11th, 2011, it aims to serve as a (white, upper middle class) snapshot of that particular moment in American history. Over the course of two hours, the Apple family in upstate New York wrestles with their various estrangements, both from each other and from the country at large. In the hands of an old pro like Greenberg, the play certainly holds our attention, but one feels that the skills of such an accomplished playwright could be put to better use. The Profiles production, directed by Joe Jahraus, nicely captures the play’s unfussy intimacy. A table is set, actors gather around it and, with audience surrounding them on all sides, just let the play happen. The flow is only marred by a series of chintzy ‘snapshot’ transitions that are simultaneously wan and heavy-handed. Daryl Cox, a Profiles perennial, provides a steady anchor as Richard, the small “c” conservative lawyer and brother to divorcee sisters Marian (Kristin Ford) and Jane (Harmony Kendall). Kendall is lovely as Jane (if a bit young) but, unfortunately, Ford is sadly grating as Marian. Kate Harris plays Marian, the trio’s well-meaning busybody of a mother, with a light touch and Eric Burgher exudes nebbishy charm as Tim, Jane’s actor boyfriend. The performance of the night belongs by Chicago vet Robert Brueler as Uncle Benjamin, the Apple family’s resident lion in winter. Struggling with severe memory loss, the aged Benjamin is often mute with innocence. And it is his touching blend of wisdom and naiveté that ties the evening together. Unlike Greenberg, Brueler is clearly putting his talents to good use.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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