In The Wings
Infertility is no laughing matter, but Jerry Sroka takes a light hearted approach in his comedic play-within-a-play that chronicles the desperate attempts of a couple exhausting all resources in the hopes of having children. What develops from the fruits of their labor, (metaphorically speaking of course), is a shaky, under rehearsed catharsis in the form of a play written and directed by would be Dad -- Sam (Dan Hagen), and produced by wanna-be Mom -- Julie (Annette Reid).
The plot gets a bit tricky at times, as the “play” serves as an outlet for the couple to rail against the futility of their biological circumstances while trying to keep the show going on despite last minute cast changes, clashes of ego, and threatening phone calls to AEA. Much like their own situation, the “play” may be closed before it can even open. But it is the play itself that becomes their creative child. By the end of a nasty rehearsal they come to accept the inevitability and finally express their grief that has threatened to tear them apart. The show may not go on, whether it is pregnancy or their play, but Sroka leaves a ghost light of a chance that this couple will go on together.
Much of the hilarity of “In the Wings” will be especially enjoyed by anyone who has worked (god bless them) in the theatre, notably actors with Sroka’s cheeky trope of stereotypes such as the bubblehead ingénue, the bitter queen stage manager, the veteran Equity members treating guidelines like badges of honor, the stage clown yucking it up, a pompous TV/voice over star, and a floozy that has seen more casting couches than Jennifer Convertibles. While the inside humor provides lots of laughs, the canned characters could use a bit of recycling. This is not Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” and the challenge with this play is its struggle between the tenuous connection of reality and fiction. The fiction is much funnier and more effective than the supposed reality between the writer/director/husband and his producer/actress/wife which does not produce its desired effect of moving the audience through the reenactment of their ordeals. It may be the constant
breaks, the asides, and the sideways build of emotional tension that overburdens what appears to be Sroka’s sincere attempt to create a heartwarming and honest depiction of a couple trying against all odds and doctor recommendations to conceive. The failure and the hopelessness of their efforts only scratch the surface and makes for more uncomfortable moments rather than sympathetic ones.
Leave it to the stage manager to always steal a show, and Sean Moran as George definitely steals this one with his tired, cynical swagger and bitchy outbursts oozing with contempt. Oh, yeah, we all know this guy and Moran makes this stereotype utterly believable. Although Sroka gave the cast only two dimensions to work with, his wife Mariette Hartley finds charming layers as the regional queen that knows every byline in the AEA rulebook and is simply delightful. Jerry Sroka performs in his show in the supporting role of Murray, and although his performance has shades of Dustin Hoffman in “Meet the Fockers” (this film seemed to be an inspiration when it came to the in-laws) nevertheless he is likable and adds some depth to one of the more forgettable roles.
Liz Sroka as Carolyn, the ditzy, blonde ingénue is sweet and upbeat, but can simply calm down, hair and all. Greg Bryan as the constant comedian Rick and Will Schaub as Tony, the stud without substance, give energetic performances despite the fact that they both fizzle. Annette Reid as Julie and Dan Hagan as Sam never find the moment where they seem like a couple. Both play the parts as written, but add little else and certainly no real feeling.
Industry professionals and theatre lovers will titter from the inside jabs and punch lines, (let’s just hope Larry Moss isn’t in the audience), but if at the heart of this play there is a love story, then I missed it. And you can call Equity about that.
“In the Wings”
Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA
Runs through May 11
Fri and Sat at 8pm
Sundays at 3pm
Dark on April 25 & 26
323-960-7735