Apple. Photo by Wayne Karl________
Written by: Vern Thiessen
At: Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway
Phone: ( 773 ) 549-1815
Runs through: June 3
The dynamics of a long-term marriage between a very opposite man and woman are at the heart of Vern Theissen's Apple, in an American premiere at Profiles Theatre on Chicago's North Side.
The three-person drama is tightly written and wonderfully acted by Darrell Cox as the husband, Brady Fiqua as the love interest and doctor, and as the wife, Amy Matheny ( co-host of Windy City Queercast, by Windy City Times ) .
In just 90 minutes we learn much about the strained relationship of Andy and Evelyn. Andy has just been laid off from his job of 10 years, while Evelyn is a high-powered, high-energy real estate broker. They are at odds, grasping at the past, not even clear of the reasons they were in love once.
Meanwhile, Andy, in a crisis of confidence, meets a new lover at the park nearby. Samantha wants no strings attached, which is at first great for Andy. The love scenes and nudity are handled well and the chemistry feels real between the actors. But the reason for Samantha's need for distance in her relationships soon becomes clear, as she is revealed as the new doctor for Evelyn, who is going through a health crisis.
Apple does a wonderful job of taking us through a range of emotions and alliances, and the small, well-crafted set works perfect for various scenes ( home, park, doctor's office ) . The actors are on stage the entire 90 minutes, and this staging makes the audience feel fully engaged during the show--watching the actors in the scene, and watching those looking in from the side.
On cello during the show is William Jayson Ranovich, a nice touch for this minimalist production.