As you ramble on through life, brother, Whatever be your goal, Keep your eye upon the doughnut, And not upon the hole. – The “Optimist’s Creed.”
It’s not easy following that advice while watching Jennifer Who Is Leaving, part of the New Play Festival at the Round House Theatre. Notwithstanding its setting in a hyperrealistic recreation of a somewhat seedy Dunkin’ Donuts location complete with the familiar stock, and its early section full of comic monologues, bratty old-fart behavior and antic dancing, it’s ultimately an unresolved problem play for all four of the characters.
I came into the theatre wondering if the other two cast members would be upstaged by the two veteran actors, Nancy Robinette (Nan) and Floyd King (Joey), but Kimberly Gilbert as Jennifer more than held her own. Annie Fang as Lili was also impressive in a smaller part, and impresses in her delivery of a monologue later in the play.
I watched Nan instruct her husband by phone on household matters and mop the floor to the tune of “Dancing Queen;” Joey act out as the obstreperous, wheelchair-using old guy afflicted with dementia; Jennifer pretend to cope with being employed as Joey’s caretaker while waiting for the tow truck for her broken van, and Lili obsess over her looming SAT’s (“I HAVE to get into Oberlin!!”) – all while admiring the skill of the actors and wondering where this play was headed.
But then it took a turn which changed the tone entirely. After a dual tirade about the unequal load assigned to women in marriage and the inadequacy, or unwillingness, of their husbands to help, Jennifer confesses that there is no tow truck coming. She had driven past her exit out of despair with her life and desperation to escape it. While Joey is locked in the bathroom, Jennifer begs Nan to help her, and Nan sacrifices her vacation fund and her ancient car to give Jennifer a 30-minute lead on lighting out for the territory. Whether this ploy will be successful, the audience is left to wonder.
Jennifer Who Is Leaving is playing at Round House in repertoire with On the Far End. Both are world premieres of works designed to provoke thought, and introspection, in the audience.
The Fourth Wall Bar and Café is featuring a menu designed to reflect the themes of both plays. Far End has a Native American focus, so there are dishes with New World ingredients such as cornbread, potatoes, chilis, and corn on offer. For Jennifer, set in New England, clam chowder, Boston cream pie, and cocktails with cranberries and coffee (for the late-night setting of the action) are featured. And, of course, donuts.
Jennifer Who Is Leaving is playing at Round House Theatre through May 7.
