BAD DATERS. (Now Closed)
BY
Derek Murphy
Directed by
Colm Summers
At paradise theater
BAD DATERS Is an odd kind of romantic two hander with Kate Arrington and Shane McNaughton.
Staging is minimum and extremely effective. A long narrow platform in the center of stage. Audience
sits on both side. Two individuals, Liam and Wendy have a date tonight. They appear and stand on the
opposite side of the platform. Wendy is immaculately dressed. Amazingly stylish dark brown coat,
Impeccable white blouse, light brown pants and fancy black sandals.
Her appearance is the indication that the lady is in total control of herself.
She is also carrying pepper spray and a loud whistle.
She repeatedly cleans her hands with sanitizer. All the defense mechanisms are handy.
On the other hand, Liam, a nice looking young man dressed in jeans is a symbol of politeness, subdued
and humble. Wendy has a ferocious tongue as well. No one thinks that they will ever be able to manage
a second date but the playwright brilliantly handle all three dates.
In reality both of these characters are broken people. They have encountered heart breaks and tragedies
and are terrified to have closeness to an other person but they are extremely lonely and isolated and in
their own way trying to make an effort.
Liam's wife recently committed suicide and left him a note, "Make an effort," and Wendy's mother died
in a car accident.
Deep down they desperately need to get out of their loneliness and self imposed isolation.
They have a second date which somehow eases a bit of Wendy's defenses, at least it minimize it
and Liam feels more comfortable with her control freak nature and eventually they gain the courage to
be a bit more comfortable with each other.
These characters not only are hurting but seem not to like themselves and the dating for them is
overwhelming.
It is a reminder of their psychic pain and psychological complexity.
They are awkward and distrust themselves but they pursue against all odds and eventually the grace
and intimacy they have been seeking shines within. The magic is in Derek Murphy's writing and being
Irish is part of that magic. The play is also brilliantly directed by Colm Summers.
The play is hilarious as well and very funny because no one has ever experienced dates like these ones.
Third date is a secret and it is quiet absorbing. Who knew that these bad daters could be so good.
REVIEWED BY
BINA SHARIF
Publisher/Editor: artsinternational.blogspot.com
She is a member of American Theater Critics Association: ATCA
email: binashariff@gmail.com
Mobile: 212-260-6207
