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Acting makes for impressive ‘Annapurna’
By Eric McCrea
The Youngstown Playhouse has shown they can tackle the classics as well as new theater, and the continuing Griffith-Adler Actor Series, which takes advantage of intimate stories, never fails to impress.
“Annapurna” by Sharr White is a dramatic play about a divorced couple, reuniting and desperately trying to piece together the missing parts of their pasts. Emma, played by Brandy Johanntges, left her husband 20 years ago. Ulysses, played by John Cox, was a brilliant poet with a drinking problem, who never understood why his wife left with their son. The fear of what may have been the cause haunts Ulysses, driving him to spend 20 years spiraling towards emphysema.
The show begins, much like the dialogue to follow, giving glimpses into the relationship between Emma and Ulysses. The surprise of Emma’s arrival brings an excessive amount of baggage and a narrative full of blackouts.
As the show progressed, more was learned about the shared past of this couple and what had happened since their discourteous separation.
Cox delivered a performance like a wounded animal. He wanted to crawl off and die alone, but when faced with his past, he lashed out defensively and defiantly. Redemption was also a big part of Cox’s portrayal of a man who was able to get himself off booze and dedicate himself to writing for two decades. At critical moments, his performance is gut-wrenching and unavoidably mournful.
Johanntges was amazing as Emma. She was cold and quick, with a vulnerability that could be seen wrestling under her skin throughout the evening. Her casual gesturing was realistic and energetic without being melodramatic. Her ability to be desperate and stern is everything a mother can be.
The humor comes from the chemistry. These two are at ease together, which is integral to success of this show. They both disappeared into their roles, allowing the dialogue to invoke laughter naturally. The tension they brought to the stage built anticipation in the house, making sure everyone was eager for the climactic revelations that explain everything.
The invested audience was defenseless against the shows powerful moment of clarity. There’s little hope left in these characters by the end, but perhaps White intended to show that even the smallest amount of hope is enough.
The set, by Johnny Pecano, was harsh and unashamed in its chaos. The unkept trailer lost its claustrophobic feel in the thrust format, but invited an entire audience into Ulysses’ world.
This may have aided in eliciting sympathy for the run down poet and added an intrusive aspect to the role of Emma.
Mulichak added an intermission to this 90-minute show, which slowed the action a bit, but was appreciated by the Playhouse crowd.
“Annapurna” will run at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 7. For reservations, call 330-788-8739.