Here’s a recipe.
Take one part lyrics from one well-known song…mix it with one part lyrics from another standard…add a dash of familiar classical music…stir well, and serve.
If you’re distinguished playwright, Terrence McNally, you will have created a delightful play entitled, Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune, which is now on stage in a Berkshire Theatre Group production in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
You probably recall the lyric: “Frankie and Johnny were lovers. O Lordy, how they could love. And lyrics from another song: “I look at you and suddenly…something in your eyes I see…that old devil moon in your eyes.” Well, that that sums up the plot of this play.
In this production, we are first aware of Frankie and Johnny in the darkness of a small apartment in Manhattan. There is no dialogue, but from what isn’t said, we have to assume they’re…what we judiciously call…making love.
But, hey, that’s the story. It’s 1987. Two pleasant people live and work in Manhattan. They came to New York with certain career expectations that didn’t work out. Johnny is a cook at a short-order restaurant where Frankie is a waitress. Of course, they know each other from work, but this is the first time they have had a chance to “discover” one another.
Yes, this is a rough story about a couple of rough people using rough language. But the story is real and it’s and effectively played out by two exceptionally fine actors. Under the skillful direction of Karen Allen, as the story unfolds, the mode and the mood of the scenes flow at just the right pace for each actor to reflect on what has been said and what needs to be said.
In the role of Frankie, Angel Desai captures and holds our attention, revealing only what serves best for the moment. Having bared her body for Johnny, she wants to wait before baring her soul.
And Darren Pettie as Johnny…hell, he’s looking for love, and thinks he’s found it. Let’s get on with it.
Can we – the audience – agree on how this relationship will turn out? That’s part of the brilliance of author Terrence McNally. You’ll be discussing this play long after you’ve left the theater.
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune is highly recommended, and plays now through August 22 at Fitzpatrick Main Stage of the Berkshire Theatre Group in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.