Director Paul Daigneault has always been successful at finding the moments within the moments, and his latest production of SIGNIFICANT OTHER by Joshua Harmon is another great addition to his resume.
As audience members we immediately believe that Kiki, Laura, Vanessa, and Jordan are close-knit friends, probably getting closest while in their twenties. Kiki is played with incredible exuberance by Sarah Elizabeth Bedard, and she is the first of the three women to reach a certain age and decide - as if overnight - it is time to get married.
She is followed by Vanessa, portrayed with sharp wit and somber undertones by Kris Sidberry. Then there is Laura played by Jordan Clark who discovers the many layers in this complex person.
Harmon's script is hilarious right out of the gate, but as with most comedies, its humor is anchored in reality. The reality here is the harsh reminder that even the most non-traditional personalities find themselves yearning for a more conventional life. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a dilemma for male pal Jordan Berman who appears he would have been happier if they had all remained single and/or married each other. This is not out of immaturity; quite the opposite. He even defends himself in several conversations that are both painfully realistic and realistically painful.
Which brings us to Greg Maraio who plays our lead. Greg made an impressive debut @ SpeakEasy in Necessary Monsters followed by an even more impressive performance in Casa Valentina, but it was his performance in a recent staged reading when this pundit literally sat up and took notice. It was at that moment when it was obvious that something extraordinary was happening; Greg's natural talent is nothing shy of a marvel. He is very comfortable playing characters like Jordan who are uncomfortable with themselves, but he has the ability to display every emotion and character arc effortlessly while being mature and professional enough not to take over the stage, even though Jordan can. He doesn't act like Jordan; he becomes enveloped by Jordan. With good looks reminding one of Jonathan Graff, it is baffling to know that this is just the beginning for Greg. His talent is borderline ridiculous.
He shares the stage with Kathy St. George who is both lovely and lovable as his grandmother, and her comic timing has always been impeccable.
Eddie Shields and Jared Troilo have the difficult task of floating in and out of multiple characters, but they do so with such credibility and ease.
Tyler Kinney's incredible costume design is one of the most subtle yet deliberant that one has seen in years.
There are reasons why the set by Christopher and Justin Swader is monochromatic when focusing on Jordan and his friends, but slightly colorful and filled - if not slightly cramped - when addressing the grandmother. The choices are very sophisticated.
A shout out also has to be presented to the lighting and sound design who fill out this first-rate production.
Even though SIGNIFICANT OTHER is a comedy, it does force one to think about life and choices, specifically when it comes to friends and lovers. Sometimes we don't find the answer, but you need to find yourself purchasing tickets and share this experience.
http://www.speakeasystage.com
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