The search for truth is fraught with twists and turns; especially when we are not sure what exactly the truth that we are looking for even is. This is one of the prevailing themes in Stephen Belber’s 1999 play “Tape.” “Tape” is currently being revived at the June Havoc Theatre at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex in midtown.
Presented by Knife Edge Productions in association with SwineStars Productions, “Tape” is the story of two old friends, Vince and Jon, and an encounter ten years prior. Ten years ago was senior year in high school and the event in question was with a girl they both fancied, Amy. This is a play I had seen before; both the film and prior stage productions. Seeing “Tape” now more than a decade since its original production with the plays own decade symbolism is particularly poignant in the wake of another recent 10 year anniversary. In terms of revelations “Tape” stands strongest on its distinction between vantage points; yours, mine, theirs, and the truth.
I won’t get too deep into plot here as I can’t say too much which hasn’t already been said about this play. I will mention performances though of the three actors. Vince (Don DiPaolo ) is the character who sets the play in motion. He’s something of a loser, drug dealer, volunteer firefighter who has found his commercial niche selling dope to the fire chief (and others). DiPaolo’s performance was true enough; his anxiety was palpable and his delivery was pretty good. Vince was in his boxers most of the beginning of the play and I did notice a lot of personal adjustment from the actor. I was asked to come to the after party; I had other plans but I don’t know that I would have wanted to shake DiPaolo’s hand.
Jon is the character who Vince was visiting; played with a fair amount of bravado by Neil Holland . I kept waiting for Jon to break into song for the first half of the play. Of course I knew that was not going to happen but the way that Holland burst into the room and commanded the spotlight was distracting. I mean, these two guys are supposed to be in a Motel 6. DiPaolo kept his volume in check. For the first half of the play though Holland’s volume could have been about half what it was. That and a lot of the exchanges from these two at the outset seemed a bit rushed. They slowed down and got into a more natural groove eventually. Of course Holland’s bravado showed his vulnerability; I’m sure that this was a directorial choice.
The girl that Jon and Vince are quibbling about is Amy (Therese Plaehn *). Plaehn played Amy with the right amount of push back; especially with the way that these two goons just kind of ambush her. Her actions at the end were hilarity and completely fitting for the obstacle course these two had set before her.
The revival if Stephen Belber’s “Tape” at the Abington Theatre Arts Complex was encouraging for such an off-Broadway garment district space. Opening night included an unusually high amount of pretentious, elbow-patched-tweed-coat types and nappy haired girls with crescent moons tattooed on the back of their necks with stars in their eyes.
Like, there were a lot of people here.
For a Tuesday night in September after Labor Day this revival opening was pretty decent. Don’t get me wrong this wasn’t a sold out Friday matinee in January off-Broadway crowd but still the decibel level in the space was responsive and engaged. Maybe this is good news for the entertainment community and the recession? Maybe the masses have had enough of their pre-packaged TV dinners and are ready to get back out into the community and see what’s happening? Then again this could just mean that everyone who has been unemployed all these years has finally stopped living underneath a rock and are willing to come out and support familiar theatre.
At least for this show, this opening night; the pre -show Bon Jovi “Bad Medicine” extended remix kept the house rocking just a little bit longer. And from the lights going up to the lights going black, we all were there and a part of it.
*This actor appeared courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association. Equity-Approved showcase.