Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge, MA
through August 10, 2013
by Shera Cohen
George and Doris might be the couple who live next door,
each in their 30’s, handsome, living their mundane lives. Except, George is
married and Doris is married, but not to each other. They begin their one-night
stand innocently and soon each character and the audience sees love blossom.
“Same Time, Next Year” is not a new play, and many may have
seen the movie version. The eras are the 50’s through the 70’s. In spite of the
piece being dated, it is still delightful to glimpse back at the mores,
language, and dress of three decades that many of us recall. Yet the
retrospective is not a textbook lesson for the audience, but a seemingly true
story of growing affection into love of two people.
Corinna May and David Adkins (Doris and George) are evenly
matched as they give truth to their characters and situation. Each is a skilled
actor, frequent players at Berkshire Theatre, and knows how to connect with
their audiences. Through them, Doris and George stretch their outlook and
response to the changing world, sometimes in completely different directions.
Like an old married couple, they bicker and then make up. Their annual tryst –
both funny and poignant – of nearly 25 years will continue beyond the play’s
ending. Yet, surprisingly, each has his/her own happy marriage.
Director Kyle Fabel moves the actors in logical ways in and
out and around a large rustic hotel room. It must be located in a ritzy section
because a piano fills a good part of the upper stage level. Randall Parsons’
set is exquisite, although one might expect a picture or piece of furniture to
have been replaced or moved out of place in a quarter-century. While the play
is a duet, a crew of four young actors makes the most of their frequent short
bits on stage as they change set pieces (primarily making and remaking the
bed). With background music from the 50’s to 70’s (Harry Connick?) the team,
dressed at maids, is a comic hoot.
“Same Time, Next Year” poses questions about honesty and
truth, guilt and even religion. This is a play to think about, but not too deeply.
