ALBANY –“Grand Concourse” is a title of a play you’ve probably never heard of. It is, however, a play that once you see it you will always remember it.
It’s at Albany Civic Theatre, playing weekends through February 19, and the production is a gem. It’s a well-acted and directed work that makes this deceptively complex play both funny and thoughtful.
On the surface “Grand Concourse” seems a slight work. It centers about a soup kitchen in the Grand Concourse area of the Bronx in New York City. Its run by Shelly, a nun who doubts her calling and needs the help of a microwave timer to keep her focused when praying. When she looks around her work environment she wonders if she is really making a meaningful difference. Shelly is suffering from burnout.
Her main helper is Oscar, a charming man for whom forgiveness comes easily. As easy as, say, giving into the temptations of the flesh.
Entering their world is Emma, a very attractive nineteen year old looking for something that might bring value to her life. Though eager and bright Emma is also strangely disruptive. Her presence creates a tension in the kitchen that forces the others to examine their own motives for doing hard work for those in need.
Besides the obvious theme of redemption that runs through the play there is the question of how important is the motive that drives one to do good? Shelly believes service is putting all others before yourself, while Emma is inspired to do good for the more selfish reason of doing it to feel good about yourself.
The plays conclusion suggests that healing oneself is critical for personal satisfaction. The play makes this point in a satisfying way along with a unexpected ending that makes you wonder what is faith and what do we owe it?
Under the direction of Patrick White this very moral play avoids being a morality play. The individuals all respond to various situations in an honest reality-based manner. White makes this a work about individuals but avoids milking the script for artificial drama. He directs the work as an ensemble piece where interactions are equally as important as the stories of the individuals.
Nonetheless, excellent individual portrayals are given by the four cast members.
As the reluctant saint, Shelly, Angelique Powell is a calming presence who keeps the kitchen functioning. Her dedication to those who need help is as obvious as the fact that she too needs help. It’s a subtle performance that captures the uncertainty of a strong, good woman.
As Emma, Abbi Roy is able to signal the good intentions of the young woman who wants to do good as long as the good is primarily something that makes her feel good about herself. This trait reveals that she is just as willing to do ill for the same purpose. Roy finds the balance in the character who is a perpetual contradiction.
Armando Morales brings needed energy to the production as the virile cook Oscar. He is quick to forgive those who intrude on his comfortable relationships at work and home and kind to those who need comfort. He is an instinctively good person.
The fourth character is Frog, the kitchen’s most popular client. Played by Jack Fallon he’s both a delight and a possible source of menace. Because of the laughter the character brings to the production it would seem he was written for broad comic relief. But Fallon is able to find the depth within this intelligent, yet pathetic man.
Fallon shows Frog as he is – a desperate unstable man who has been hijacked by his demons. But more important he clearly shows him as intelligent and capable. This portrayal helps the audience see the man Frog could have been had not fate interfered with his life.
It’s all played on single set designed by Rick Montena and expertly lit by Ed Bablin. It’s so realistic that you believe it’s a kitchen you would find in an institution – the kind of institution where you would only eat if you were desperate.
This reality helps illuminate the desperation that is the undercurrent of this wise, tender and funny play.
“Grand Concourse” continues at Albany Civic Theater Friday’s through Sundays until February 19 For tickets and schedule call 518-462-1297.
Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.
