A Memory Play

Written by Bob Stewart

Directed by Gary Levinson

At The Workshop Theater

312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor

212-695-4173

 

Review by Kristin Forte

 

A Memory Play is a fantastic dark comedy that examines the inner workings of familial relationships.

 

The cast of three is small but extremely talented. Trey Albright is excellent as Kip, a struggling playwright who imagines a change in history by rewriting his parents’ wedding night so that they don’t get married. Albright gives a quirky and realistic performance as a gay man who is exploring his parents’ relationship while sporadically divulging information about his private life (though he wittily stresses, “This is not a gay play”).

  

 

Meet the Parents: Trey Albright rewrites Susan Izatt and Artie Ray's history in A Memory Play.

 

The play focuses on the night before Kip’s parents, Judy and Steve, tie the knot. Susan Izatt is outstanding as Judy, a Southern belle harboring secrets, and Artie Ray gives a strong performance as Steve, a hunky and emotionally closed-off soldier.

 

The play bounces around at a quick pace and leaves viewers wanting more. Kip sits on the side of the stage throughout the production, serving as the omniscient narrator. With no fourth wall, he constantly interrupts the action to correct or replace dialogue and makes jokes and observations to the audience.

 

Judy and Steve shift back and fourth through time, from their wedding night in 1947 to later, poignant moments in their relationship with their son. They go against his script several times, causing him to enter the scene and take their place or portray additional characters (Albright is hilarious as Rydell, Judy’s sweet and flamboyant buddy).

 

Playwright Bob Stewart’s quick and witty script tells a frank tale that is brought to another level by Gary Levinson’s keen direction. Although we often insist that we would do things differently if given the chance to relive the past, A Memory Play suggests that things happen the way they must. It is a simple play that turns out to be a funny, genuine and thought-provoking production.