Al Miller’s production of the Tony Award nominated play is biting and grows in intriguing intensity…
It has be said that Lyle Kessler’s Tony Award nominated play, while fitting for the intimacy of the Jermyn Street Theatre, is an intriguing and slightly frustrating piece for the theatre to stage.
The premise behind the play is two brothers who live together in North Philadelphia. Philip is somewhat nervous about the outside world, while Treat is a menacing mugger trying to keep them both afloat. Until one day Treat kidnaps Harold – a man with plenty of cash and intelligence. What then happens is an examination of loss, family and survival at all costs – highlighted further by the fact that they are all orphans.
While the conclusion of the play is open to interpretation and what happens to certain characters next, throughout the script is biting and enthralling meaning that the audience is never completely sure exactly where the story is going to end up.
The balance between comedy and tragedy is nicely balanced and as the show goes on, the audience does become increasingly invested in where these characters end up. More than any particular incident, it feels more like a character study on how each character has an influence on each other. It is powerful, moving and edgy all at the same time.
In every aspect of this production, the rawness and sheer emotion on display is enhanced subtly in many ways through Sarah Beaton’s rustic and intimate set design combined with the Jermyn Street Theatre’s pinpoint focused approach to production enhances the intensity and the emotions on display.
But it does have to be said that Orphans is also slightly frustrating because it takes a little bit of time for it to settle down and understand exactly the direction of the play – it is a slow burner that hints at the idea of the American Dream – with each of the character disillusioned in their own way.
At the centre of it all, the cast are able to showcase the complexity of their characters without leaning overly much into sympathy. Each performance is well grounded from start to finish. In terms of character arc, Chris Walley as Treat is the most intriguing to witness, the hardened and cynical character, in the first act soon transforms into a more vulnerable persona that highlights the impact of the way he has grown up in a heartbreaking way. Meanwhile, Fred Woddley Evans as Philip really blossoms as the story unfolds, capturing the character’s growth in a beautiful way, while Forbes Masson as Harold is wonderfully charming and manipulative.
Al Miller’s production is raw and intensely felt, keeping the audience thoroughly drawn in from start to finish. It is slightly frustrating to begin with but it blossoms into a really intriguing show.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Orphans continues to play at the Jermyn Street Theatre until the 24th January.