Not for the faint of heart, Dale Johnson’s searing THAT IS THE QUESTION is pushing audience’s primal buttons at the Krain Theatre. Directed by Linda Burson, playwright Johnson candidly explores potential powder kegs such as sexuality (hetero, bi, tri) the transient nature of so many big city relationships, a woman’s right to choose (her sexuality, her reproductive options) and the level of almost casual violence that is inflicted on women on a practically daily basis.

Set in Manhattan’s west village THAT IS THE QUESTION tells the story of Kim (Marie Bedford), a vivacious, sexual explorer and her new roommate Dani (Megan Minto), a wide-eyed, new to the city neophyte. There is also Kim’s boyfriend Spencer (Greg Thornsbury) a perpetually erect Peter Pan fascinated by all things carnal. Dani eventually begins dating David (Kyle Minshew). In one of the play’s more inspired performances, Minshew effectively portrays a vaguely nerdy, timid computer geek who initially seems about as intimidating as a station wagon full of nuns. In the production’s more film noir moments however, we are chillingly introduced to the character’s truly psychotic side. The cast is nicely rounded out by Dorcey Winant as Kim’s yenta –ish mother and Alana Rose Abbott, double cast as departing roommate Jenny and crisis counselor Hope.

Make no mistakes; this is a no-holds-barred look at very intimate aspects of the character’s lives. The action opens with the final orgasmic moments of a ménage-a-trois. We are first introduced to the characters in their post coital euphoria. It is not the nudity however that intrigues the audience the most. Due in large part to the free-spirited, youthful nature of the two lead actresses and the school boy horniness of Thornsbury’s Spencer, the nudity does not come across as gratuitous – certain death for most wannabe “downtown’ ‘cutting edge” productions. Instead, it becomes a logical, even charming element to the story. Anyone who has ever danced naked in their living room while blasting heavy metal will understand. It is, in fact, the emotional intimacy - -the naked psyche-- that will have you contemplating this play long after you have left the theatre.

As the drama unfolds each of the characters is faced with harsh and ultimately life altering realities and grown-up decisions – often a result of the frivolity they so doggedly pursued. It is hard to explain this production without giving too much away. This would in fact be sinful as there are many surprising twists and turns that should be experienced without warning! As much action/suspense as drama, Johnson and Burson have helmed this production in such a way that the audience not only witnesses the action but experiences it with the characters. The piece often has the feeling of a quirky indie film. Alan Baron’s artful lighting helps to give Mark Hankla’s minimalist set an intimate, at times surreal quality. In fact, given more blood and a few really cool cars, this could easily be a Quentin Tarantino property. THAT IS THE QUESTION proves to be a roller coaster that is not always comfortable but promises to leave you richer for daring to take a ride.

PERFORMANCES

Thu, Sun at 8pm; Fri - Sat at 10:30pm

The Kraine Theatre
85 East 4th Street
New York, NY 10003

 © 2007 Mikal Saint George