Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Brits Off Broadway 2019 kicks off at 59E59 Theaters: INSTRUCTIONS FOR AMERICAN SERVICEMEN IN BRITAIN & KILLING TIME

• By drediman
• April 28, 2019
• No Comments

One of the things I look forward to most each spring is the opportunity to partake in 59E59 Theaters’ Brits Off-Broadway festival. The acclaimed series, a fantastic chance to see the best of the UK’s equivalent of our Off-Broadway scene on home soil, commenced a few weeks ago and impressively continues through the end of June. To kick off my Brits Off Broadway festival-going, I recently attended two of its initial offerings.

Matt Sheahan and Dan March in Fol Espoir’s production of “Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain” at 59E59 Theaters’ Brits Off Broadway festival. Photo by Lidia Crisafulli.

First up was Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain (RECOMMENDED), a devised piece from Fol Espoir. The show is a mostly rollicking screwball comedy based on a war-time publication that endeavored to instruct US servicemen on the British way of life. But in the hands of the folks at Fol Espoir, no one is safe, as even the American soldiers are mercilessly poked fun at (there’s a particularly hilarious segment at the top of Act 2; no spoilers here). Directed for maximum broadness by John Walton, the production features a trio of hardworking, very funny actors – James Millard, Matt Sheahan, and Dan March (they also wrote the show). Clocking in at more than two hours including an intermission, it can be argued that the show is slightly overlong for what it is, but none of that matters when performers and audience alike are having this much fun.

Brigit Forsyth in the Word Mills’ production of “Killing Time” by Zoe Mills at 59E59 Theaters’ Brits Off Broadway festival. Photo by Darren Bell.

Brits Off Broadway’s next offering, Zoe Mills’ two-hander Killing Time (SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED), was a drastic shift in gears from the show reviewed above. The Word Mills production tells the story of one Hester Brooke, an elderly woman who has lived life to the fullest. With her death in full view – Hester has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and doesn’t have very long to live – the play examines, particularly with the introduction of a quirky young social worker, the necessarily messy process of saying goodbye to this life of ours. Although I admire the playwright’s attempt at unflinchingly looking at the realities of death, I found some of the writing and ideas frustratingly pedestrian. The acting by the playwright (Ms. Mills plays the social worker) and Brigit Forsyth (as Hester) was initially a bit stiff, but the two actresses warmed up nicely as the play progressed. Anthony Eden’s humble production, which struggles with the play’s transitions and fragile tone, doesn’t help matters much either.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR AMERICAN SERVICEMEN IN BRITAIN
Off-Broadway, Play
59E59 Theaters / Fol Espoir
2 hours, 10 minutes
Through May 12

KILLING TIME
Off-Broadway, Play
59E59 Theaters / Fol Espoir
2 hours, 10 minutes
Through May 12