Whisky Neat by Bruce Walsh
There’s this study. They take kids, leave them in a group and give them a problem. Those kids will systematically find the strengths and weaknesses of those in the group and use the strengths to solve the problem. At least, that’s what Handsome (Luigi Sottile), a self-proclaimed ‘professional philosopher’ claims in Azuka Theatre’s Whisky Neat by Bruce Walsh, directed by Kevin Glaccum.
A stunning performance, Whisky Neat left me asking myself one question– who’s really in charge here? At first, it seems to be Tommy (Nathan Emmons), a manager who exploits, dehumanizes and physically abuses everyone around him, who always wants the upper hand and uses his brutality to do that. But as the show goes on, Handsome is able enthrall everyone around and take that power away from Tommy without him even knowing it.
And Handsome is just that, a pretty face. At least, that’s what he is to everyone else. Full of charm, he’s able to take control of every situation through both passion and force, which may be the same thing to him. Whether he’s impressing Tommy with his stories of past girls or enticing Tim (Brian Cowden) into an almost erotic embrace, he plays their strengths and weakness. He’s able to manipulate everyone around him, seemingly, to the very end.
The entire performance takes place in the break room of a high-end restaurant and is the exact opposite of what the audience expects is on the other side of those walls. Outside this room, we expect beauty, class and decorum – nothing short of a five star restaurant. Here, everything is broken, beaten and battered, much like the people who occupy the space. The set, which was in perfect contrast to crisp, clean clothing of all of the employees, was a piece of artwork in itself. It automatically told the audience that this was somewhere they didn’t want to be. And the performance itself just reinforced that.
The acting was strong across the board. Even with complex characters, the entire cast seemed to understand, not only their own, but all the characters. Even with the best script, if the actors aren’t up to bar, it’s a ‘bad play’. No one, however, will be saying that about Whisky Neat. Last night, everything within this piece fell into place and they put on a great performance.
The best thing I can say about Whisky Neat is that I’m still thinking about it. There’s so much to absorb within this piece that it doesn’t leave your mind quickly. And in the world of cheap laughs and bad melodramas, that’s not something that comes along often.
Azuka Theatre presents Whisky Neat, written by Bruce Walsh and directed by Kevin Glaccum, April 3rd-26th at The Latvian Society, 7th & Spring Garden Street. Tickets $16-$25. 215-733-0255, http://www.azukatheatre.org.
