TheaterWorks, Hartford, CT
through November 26, 2016
by Shera Cohen
Richard Dreyfuss |
A few years ago, I discovered a little theatre located on a
side street in downtown Hartford. The venue is not typical; audience members
enter through an art gallery, walk a long staircase, then to seats and stage
surrounded by metal poles. This is TheaterWorks. Its current play,
“Relativity,” is “little” at 85 minutes and three characters. This is where to
find a triumvirate of talent: renowned actor Richard Dreyfuss, creative
director Rob Ruggiero, and flawless playwright Mark St. Germain.
With a title like “Relativity,” it’s not surprising that
Albert Einstein is its central character. To a large degree, the word
“relativity” delves into Einstein’s family rather than science; in other words,
his relatives. His wives, sons, daughter, grandchildren – who would have
thought that geniuses like Einstein also have mundane lives? We watch a
journalist’s interview with the famous man. The clue comes immediately when she
questions Einstein about his first wife and his sons – this is no ordinary
interviewer asking very personal questions.
“Relativity,” one of St. Germain’s fictionalized biographies
succeeds, as all his works do, as a dramedy. An unfolding mystery evolves. More
important are conflicting questions of greatness for mankind vs goodness for
one’s small world of family.
Credit to the audience that did not applaud when Dreyfuss
first appeared onstage. Oftentimes, famous actors are acknowledged simply because
they are well-known. Dreyfuss, disheveled and sporting the iconic hairdo,
immediately becomes Einstein. Dreyfuss portrays the scientist as steadfast and
egotistical. Yet, we can see the wheels turning in his head, as Einstein
questions if goodness and selfishness can possibly go hand in hand, even for
him. Dreyfuss is as brilliant an actor as his character is a scientist.
Christa Scott-Reed, the journalist, holds her own in the
role of woman on an important mission. Verbal fisticuffs with Dreyfuss are an
even match. Lori Wilner, the housekeeper, makes a formidable appearance in a role
that helps define her friend/employer more than herself.
Director Rob Ruggiero (who wears many creative hats at
TheaterWorks) places every movement, moment, and word of dialog in unison.
There is no waste. Masterful set designer Brian Prather provides a strewn-about
private space with an always-closed door that the interviewer enters, somewhat
at her own risk, and more at Einstein’s risk.
Unfortunately, the run of “Relativity” is just about sold
out, even with two weeks added. But call the box office, just in case; there
might be a seat for you.