[NEohioPAL]Berko review: Frankie and Johnny (Ensemble Theatre)

[Roy Berko]

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY AN OUTSTANDING, MUST SEE AT
ENSEMBLE

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

Last year one of the biggest Broadway hits was a
revival of Terrance McNally’s ‘FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE
CLAIR DE LUNE’.  It was produced by the wunderkinds of
producers, Cleveland’s Hank Unger, Matt Rego and Mark
Rego.   The show starred Edie Falco (of "The
Sopranos") and Stanley Tucci. The original 1987
off-Broadway production featured Kathy Bates and Bruce
Weitz in the title roles.   A 1991 film adaptation
called ‘FRANKIE AND JOHNNY’ starred Michelle Pfeiffer
and Al Pacino.    None of these stars has anything on
Charles Kartali and Julia Kolibab, who are portraying
the roles in Ensemble Theatre’s production.

‘FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE’ is a simple
show about simple people in complicated times.  In
this age of bigger than life plays, movies which
center on explosions, car chases, space shots and
super heroes, this story of "little" people with real
problems, is a totally different entertainment
experience.

This is the story of a short-order cook and a waitress
who purge their loneliness with a night of casual sex.
 When the sexual act is over, Frankie just wants to
eat a cold meatloaf sandwich and go to sleep alone. 
However, Johnny  would rather "bask in the afterglow"
and spends the wee hours of the morning trying to
convince Frankie that they have something special
together.  The resulting conflict contains laughs as
well as dialogue that allows the audience to examine
their own perceptions of loneliness, sex, love and
what it means for people to connect.   

This is a dialogue show, not one of action.  In order
for a production to work both characters have to be
played with strength, control, correct timing and
clarity. The director must have a complete
understanding of the plays’ nuances.  All of these are
present in the Ensemble Theatre production.

Kolibab and Kartali are so comfortable and charming in
their portrayals that audience members cannot help but
empathize with them, feeling their pain and joy.  

Kartali (Johnny)is absolutely endearing as he verbally
and physically leaps from emotion to emotion, ever
babbling, ever cajoling.   He is totally natural,
totally believable.  This is a flawless performance.

Kolibab (Frankie) is his match.  You feel her hurt,
you feel her joy, you understand her motives.  She
adds a vulnerable reality to a performance that makes
her and the character one.

Licia Colombi’s direction is probably the finest she
has done.  She understands the script, and her actors,
and weaves the fine line between comedy and drama. 
The show is perfectly paced and the script well
interpreted.

The set, as designed by Stephen Vasee, is totally
functional, though the television set in the center of
the stage did block some audience members view of the
bed, on which much of the action takes place.  Corby
Grubb’s sound design is well conceived and helps
develop a very necessary segment of the production.   

Capsule judgement:   Ensemble’s production of 
‘FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE’ is one of
those special nights of theatre that makes us know
what theatre should be all about.  It is one of the 
finest productions seen at a local theatre.  It should
be noted that this show contains sexual situations,
adult language and nudity by both actors. 

‘FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE’ continues at
Ensemble Theatre, located in the Drury Theatre in the
Cleveland Play House complex through September 21. 
For ticket information call 216-321-2930.

COMING UP....

The musical revue ‘AND THE WORLD GOES ROUND,’ which
features the music of Kander and Ebb opens Actors’
Summit’s eight-show season.  It runs from September 18
through October 5 in the company’s Hudson home. 
(330-342 0800)

Rebecca Gilman’s ‘BOY MEETS GIRL’ will be seen at Beck
Center from October 3 through the 26th.  The play,
directed by Sarah May follows up the critical and box
office success of last fall’s ‘SPINNING INTO BUTTER’
by the same playwright. (216-521-2540)

Great Lakes Theatre brings back rotating repertory to
the Cleveland area interchanging ‘TARTUFFE’ and
‘HAMLET’ from October 10 through November 9 on the
stage of the Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square. 
(216-241-6000 or www.tickets.com)

Dobama Theatre will present the U.S. premiere of ‘THE
DOMINO HEART’, a play by Matthew Edison about the
personal ramifications of heart-transplant surgery.
(216-932-3396)

Follow Richard and Ted, two aspiring classical
pianists, on a musical journey from adolescence to
adulthood as they pursue their dreams of stardom when
you view ‘2 PIANOS 4 HANDS’ at the Cleveland Play
House from September 23-October 19.  (216-795-7000)

‘LATE NITE CATECHISM’ continues at the Hanna Theatre
through early December.  On January 13 the delightful
review ‘I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE’ starts
its open-ended run.  (216-241-6000)

‘STOMP’ will explode onto the stage of the Palace
Theatre in Play House Square from September 16-21.  If
you haven’t seen this unusual and engrossing show,
this is probably your last chance.  (216-241-6000)

‘LES MISERABLES’ returns to the area in a professional
touring production from October 7-12.  This is a must,
must see musical experience. (216-241-6000)

‘ROMEO AND JULIET,’ Shakespeare’s classic tale of
star-crossed lovers receives a dance interpretation by
Ohio Ballet at the Palace Theatre from October 3-4. 
(330 972-7900)

‘THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE’, the winner of six 2002
Tony Awards including Best Musical, will be on the
stage of the Palace Theatre from November 4-16. 
(216-241-6000)

What happens when an energetic, perceptive and
creative group of 9-13 year olds get their hands on
the myths, legends, gods, monsters and heroes of
classic literature?  Find out when the Near West
Theatre presents ‘HERCULES VS. GODZILLA’ on October 3,
4 and 5.  (216-621-3242)

‘DISCORDIA’ a satiric musical by James Levin and Linda
Eisenstein, with music by Linda Eisenstein, will
receive its world premiere at Cleveland Public Theatre
from October 17-November 8. (216-631-2727)

GROUNDWORKS DANCE performs on October 2, 3 and 4 at
St. Peter’s Church, 1533 East 17th Street at the
corner of East 17th Street and Superior Avenue in
Cleveland.  Local historian John Vacha will host a
free, pre-show, historic talk about St. Peter Church
at 7 on Saturday.  (216-691-3180, extension 3)



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