Rage, fear boil over in ‘Extremities’

By ERIC McCREA

entertainment@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

When first entering the Moyer room of the Youngstown Playhouse, the set of “Extremities” immerses you into a foreboding scene.

The living-room daybed, placed practically in the front row, is impossible to ignore. After the announcement that this play by William Mastrosimone is about rape, the daybed becomes even more ominous.

As the play begins, we find Marjorie, played by Joanna Andrei, just waking up and going about her morning routine. Shortly after, an unwelcomed and uninvited man (Mark Warchol) enters her home, claiming to be looking for someone else. After some fast talking and a few story changes, his real intentions become apparent. Disturbing physical violence ensues, thwarted by quick thinking from Marjorie. She proceeds to tie up and torture her attacker, holding him hostage as she decides what to do with him.

When her roommates Terry (Zara Markman) and Patricia (Jackie Stevens) return home, they discuss what to do. A large component of their debate focuses on the difficulties women face in successfully prosecuting a rapist. Was she asking for it? Will the jury believe her? Why doesn’t she have bruises? Where’s the proof? These questions, which seem to be a disease in our society, are all too well-known to us. The Youngstown Playhouse, the cast and director of this play, and ambassadors from the Valley’s own Rape Crisis and Counseling Center ask the audience to change the conversation.

Andrei was amazing and brave as the lead. Her raw honesty seeped into the audience. You could feel all the rage and fear she kept hidden under the surface, as she tried to come to terms with what has unfolded.

Markman and Stevens proved capable as the roommates. Their parts were smaller, but critical in the story, almost serving as walls for Marjorie to bounce off. Markman was a great example of how we can question right and wrong but still be bold. Stevens was impressive showing how reason and facts can help find the right path.

Warchol was intense and terrifying as Raul. He was committed at every step, showing great dedication to the craft.

Especially impressive was the chaotic dialogue of Raul. Mastrosimone has this character telling several stories at once, playing a victim, but manipulating the situation to his advantage. Despite having just witnessed his actions, the audience can’t help but wonder if Marjorie is going to go too far. It’s a realistic example of the challenges women face when seeking justice in court and society.

Performances of “Extremities” can be seen Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call The Youngstown Playhouse at 330-788-8739.