The End of Longing

2.5 out of 5 Stars

We are members of MCC Theater and the beauty of membership is that you go see things that normally might not enter your radar.  So when The End of Longing, written by and starring Matthew Perry, came along as part of the membership, our reaction was . . . huh, well let’s see what Chandler Bing can do.

How can you not have that reaction?  Friends was a television staple for years and Matthew Perry as Chandler was a great favorite. As it turns out, his role as Chandler is more memorable but Mr. Perry gets points for writing a play and getting it produced.

Jennifer Morrison and Matthew Perry.  Photo by Joan Marcus

Mr. Perry’s character, Jack, a smart-aleck Lothario with a drinking problem is hard to warm up to, although, towards the end of the play he has a monologue about the pain of alcoholism that feels authentic and heartbreaking (as I suspect it is).  The other characters, Stephanie played by Jennifer Morrison, Jeffrey played by Quincy Dunn-Baker, and even Stevie the neurotic one played by Sue Jean Kim are more charming. There were also a number of funny lines that got the audience laughing.  Ultimately, the play doesn’t rise above sit-com level and there was little emotional connection with the characters, but Chandler fans, and there were many in the audience, won't be disappointed.

Why We Went: MCC Theater subscription and Matthew Perry

Subscribe here - StageWrite blog

MSG

Sidenotes : We had a delicious pre-theater dinner at Karahi, an Indian restaurant right across the street from the theater on Christopher Street.  I love Indian food and the Murgh Curry Masala and naan were delectable. Throw dietary restrictions aside; the rice was spectacular. In addition, the atmosphere was friendly and the service, genteel.  We will be back.