Man from Nebraska — StageWrite Post

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Man from Nebraska moves quickly - seventeen scenes conclude in under two hours. While the first several scenes contain minimal dialogue the plot evolves rapidly: the drive to church, the robotic participation from a church pew, the same post-church cafeteria meal, Sunday television, getting ready for bed. What really needs to be said? After all, this is Nebraska – you can drive 300 miles without so much as turning the wheel. The repetitiveness of Ken and Nancy’s routine is obvious. They are in their own self created Groundhogs Day.

The monotony comes to a crashing halt after the bedtime ritual when Ken has his bathroom breakdown. The distraught Nancy, concerned that Ken is gravely ill, needs to know the nature of his tears (and so do we). Are you ready? Ken has lost his faith in God, not just in God’s nature but God’s actual existence. “Nancy, I don’t understand the stars.” Translation: Can my life possibly be this meaningless?

The remainder of the play seeks to address this question as Ken sets forth on his existential journey. This is as much about where he’s going as it is about what he is leaving behind. The back and forth transitions between these worlds are flawless and serve to carry the story along at an enveloping pace. My experience was that this group of actors inhabit rather than perform their roles. The performances, the set by Takeshi Kata, the lighting by Keith Parham, the direction by David Cromer are all perfectly tuned in a very delicate manner. This is natural theater (there may be an actual term for this). There are no knuckleballs. Written by the powerful playwright, Tracy Letts, it is very straight forward and extremely well crafted. The story was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2004 and it is easy to see why.

The role of Ken is played by Reed Birney, fresh off his Tony Award winning performance in The Humans. I personally see no comparison in that The Humans role was at most supportive, where here he carries the show.

Providing the balance to Ken is Nancy, played by Annette O’Toole. She provides great subtlety and nuance to her character yet is capable of explosive emotion. Although her role is extremely prim, Ms. O’Toole continues her "Benjamin Button" magic, becoming more sultry with age.

Annika Boras plays the daughter Ashley who fortifies the barricade between defending the what is against what might be. She is fearless in her position, still years away from the age of doubt. Her concerns are far more pedestrian – is she living in the right house, with the right husband and the right kids? She is confident, however, in her position amongst the stars.

No existential crisis can possibly be complete without including what may be it’s most critical element – SEX – and oh, it’s here. Heidi Armbruster boldly plays Pat Monday, the post-divorced, newly liberated, globetrotting executive who is more than ready to teach Ken a thing or two about the meaning of life. She inhabits fiery sexuality – but also reminds that the forbidden kiss, brings madness with the bliss.

Nana Mensah, as Tamyra, begins as the wiping-the-spots-off-the-glasses bartender/sounding board but evolves into an important touchstone in this odyssey representing a far more complete version of female sexuality. She is beautiful and enthralling in her performance.

Although never alone onstage, artist and raconteur Harry Brown, played by Max Gordon Moore, in many ways provides a one man show. His soliloquies and viewpoints are mesmerizing. His character is well-written and equally well-performed.

Man from Nebraska embarks on a profound and profoundly entertaining journey. When Ken reaches the journey’s conclusion, has he figured out the meaning of the stars? For that answer, you will have to see the show – and do see the show.

Why we went: Tracy Letts. Continuing the series of his plays that we have seen Killer Joe, Bug (this one actually made my wife faint during the play), and August: Osage County. We also saw his capable acting in The Realistic Joneses.

JMG

Side Notes: Tracy Letts brings to mind Superior Donuts and we had a craving for coffee and donuts. Donut Plant to the rescue. These delicious, handcrafted donuts come in exotic flavors (we love the carrot cake and the red velvet) and imaginative shapes (square!). The coffee from Toby's Estate is as good as it gets. There are several Donut Plant locations. We visited the one near the Chelsea Hotel, 23rd between 7th and 8th.