Summary: Jay Reiss' "That May Well Be True," premiering at Hudson Mainstage, delves into the complexities of friendship marred by jealousy and resentment. The play, featuring Josh Weinstein, Erin Quinn Purcell, and Daniel Milder, is a gripping exploration of human emotions, punctuated by moments of humor and intense confrontations. Directed by Greg Jackson, the production shines in its portrayal of strained relationships and the quest for resolution, though it leaves some threads tantalizingly unresolved.
Jay Reiss' "That May Well Be True," making its world premiere at Hudson Mainstage, is a compelling exploration of friendship tainted by jealousy and resentment. Reiss excels in crafting intense confrontations, infusing each scene with suspense. However, the production also aims to be humorous, and the witty lines could benefit from a more relaxed, less somber direction.
The story kicks off with novelist Peter (Josh Weinstein) embroiled in a plagiarism lawsuit filed by his old friend Russell (Daniel Milder), a former drug addict. Russell's wild experiences in Mexico have been used by Peter for a new bestseller, and Russell demands $700,000 from the screenplay fee. When Peter unexpectedly visits Russell's Westchester apartment to resolve the issue, long-standing grievances surface, intensifying their animosity.
The core of the play revolves around the strained friendship between Peter and Russell. Peter, portrayed by Weinstein, strikes a balance between integrity and self-interest. Milder's Russell is a high-strung, realistic depiction of self-destruction. Despite his justified viewpoints, Russell's exasperating attitude makes it difficult to empathize with him. An occasional witty line, like "If it wasn't for me, you'd still be listening to Phil Collins and defending it," adds a touch of humor but isn't enough to make his character likable.
Russell's roommate, Joy (Erin Quinn Purcell), an economist advising an Indian ashram on profit maximization, adds an interesting dynamic. Russell humorously describes their relationship as akin to a marriage: "We eat together, we bicker in front of friends, and we don't have sex." Purcell's portrayal of Joy is the standout element of the evening, suggesting a personality of depth and compassion.
The production shines in a scene between Peter and Joy, where director Greg Jackson skillfully establishes a potential romantic link. Their relationship is so well-developed that the play loses momentum after their connection is dropped. This scene also features the evening's most inventive bit, with Joy listing her albums of love songs by people who can't sing, including Burt Reynolds, Tony Randall, Lorne Greene, Ed McMahon, Pele, and William Shatner performing "Mr. Tambourine Man."
The final stages of the play feature a vividly staged physical battle and accusations flung in the titular game "That May Well Be True." These accusations stir up intense emotions, though the hint of a potential romantic shift between Russell and Joy feels unconvincing. The climax would be more impactful with a surprise twist, but as it stands, the events trail off inconclusively, suggesting the author struggled to devise a fitting ending.
Jay Reiss' "That May Well Be True" is a raw yet promising theatrical work. While the play has its flaws, particularly in its resolution, it showcases Reiss' potential as a playwright. The standout performance by Erin Quinn Purcell as Joy hints at a bright future for Reiss in the world of theater.
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A Stephen Solaka presentation of a play in one act by Jay Reiss. Directed by Greg Jackson.
