Superior Donuts
Playwright Tracy Letts, winner of a Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize for his play, Osage County, now entertains us with a lighthearted comedy/drama at the Geffen Playhouse. Superior Donuts reminded me of another project I saw in Los Angeles a few years ago at a much smaller and less prestigious venue—a piece entitled Who Is Curtis Lee? Both plays are about a young street person seeking employment at a dilapidated joint on its last legs, each with a proprietor who needs saving as much as the young man needs employment. In both instances the young hero is pursued by debtors out for his skin.
Even with these similarities of plot Superior Donuts is richly gratifying. Aging hippie Arthur Przbyszewsky (movingly portrayed by sexy Gary Cole) talks to himself as if he were conducting an interview. He asks himself questions and gives answers without taking a breath. I found this original device for monologue interesting and believable. Convinced he is a coward, Przbyszewsky, a man fixated on his Polish immigrant heritage, tests his fortitude by choosing to be of real service to his young employee, a wannabe writer of the “Great American Novel.”
Edi Gathegi plays the street kid, Franco Wicks. Mr. Gathegi is not only a fine actor with a tremendously effective kinesthetic response, but beautiful to look at as he dances and dodges in a never ending effort to promote his belief that “The best is yet to come!”
Ron Bottitta, (recently completing his run of Sunset Limited at The Rogue Machine) so transformed himself in the role of Russian immigrant neighbor, Max Tarasor, that I did not recognize him until I read his name in the program. I believe that is a great compliment for an actor.
Paul Dillon was extremely funny as the pursuing gangster. Brian Abraham, Mary Beth Fisher, Damon Gurton and Kathryn Joosten all professionally fleshed out their parts.
The set (John Arnone) was extraordinary. At the very top of the proscenium arch were iron works representing the well-known “El” (the elevated train transportation system used by most people living in Chicago) along with grime covered windows that alternately lit up and went dark. Sound (Richard Woodbury) completed the illusion of the “L” and was subtle throughout. Costumes (Laura Bauer) and lighting (Daniel Ionazzi), as well as fight choreography (Ned Mochel) were all excellent.
Director Randall Arney might have strived to increased intensity and urgency, but ultimately Superior Donuts is a lighthearted fantasy, though not without feeling and sentiment. It is an enjoyable evening in the theatre.
Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Ave. L.A. 90024
Runs until July 10, 2011
310-208-5454
www.igeffenplayhousetickets.com