Cupid’s Arrow Finds an Unusual Target At Hedgerow

Brendan Cataldo and Jamie Goldman in a scene from STRICTLY PLATONIC at Hedgerow Theatre.

Yeah, this is about right for my life—sitting alone on Valentine’s Day watching a romantic comedy…

But, in a way that was kind of the perfect mindset to see Larry McKenna’s new comedy, STRICTLY PLATONIC. It’s a clever piece about that age old search for true love, something we can all relate to. At the start of the story, we see Tim (Brendan Cataldo) and his buddy Josh (Jamie Goldman) on the subway chatting about the 3 girls who gave Tim their phone numbers at the bar the night before. Tim is a “playeh.” He likes them for their bodies, not their brains. And because he’s a hunk, the girls are more than happy to go out with him. Josh is the “funny one.” He’s smart, clever—and desperate for a girlfriend. He’s kind of Jonah Hill to Tim’s Channing Tatum, I guess you could say.

Brendan Cataldo and Sarah Braverman star in Larry McKenna’s STRICTLY PLATONIC at Hedgerow Theatre through March 3.

After Josh exits the train, Tim is drawn into a conversation with Annie (Sarah Braverman)—who isn’t like any girl he’s ever met before. The two decide to just be friends, a first for Tim. And let’s just say he gets blindsided by love. Other than a flirtation with his office’s hottie (Hilary Bucell—who does double duty as a sassy waitress), I won’t tell you any more of the plot because I don’t want to spoil the fun. This sharp new comedy plays out in 90 minutes (no intermission) in a series of quick, but well written, scenes. Other than a couple of references to film stars that twenty-somethings probably wouldn’t even know, McKenna has crafted a fun commentary on relationships. And his young cast is up to the task of telling the story.

Cataldo has an easy charm—and the good looks to match—that works well for the role of that guy who is playing the field, and doesn’t seem to know how to commit. He did a nice job of showing Tim’s growth thru his burgeoning relationship with Annie. As the object of that newfound love, Braverman is lovely; she has a nice way with the acerbic lines McKenna has given her character. Annie is a smartass, but a fun one. Jamie Goldman is a hoot as the nerdy sidekick. He has a great natural comedic flair. My only quibble would be that he tended to look at the audience every time he said a punch line—you know, that nudging “Here’s the funny folks.” Just be in the moment and trust that the audience will get it. Hilary Bucell is a real find. Her turns as both Vicky, the object of both guys’ lust, and Mary Kate, a waitress at Annie’s favorite spot, are both comic gems.

McKenna also directed the production, and he’s kept things moving at a nice pace. I always wonder if a playwright should direct his own work, if they might be too close to it. But McKenna seems to be able to edit himself. His staging was crisp; I didn’t notice any glaring blocking issues. He’s set the action in several locales and set designer Zoran Kovcic has, once again, done a great job of providing an easily changeable set for the ensemble to play on. Solid sound and light support was provided by Jared Reed—I was loving the contemporary pre-show music. Cathie Miglionico has done her usual solid job with costuming and stage manager Joel Guerrero is having way too much fun executing the scene changes.

Hilary Bucell and Brendan Cataldo in Hedgerow Theatre’s production of STRICTLY PLATONIC.

Hedgerow picked a winner for this season’s new play. STRICTLY PLATONIC is a wonderful Valentine to transitioning from the serial dating we do as kids to finding our true soul mate. This brisk 90 minute comedy is a fun way to relieve the winter doldrums. Head over to Hedgerow and join the fun.

STRICTLY PLATONIC
by Larry McKenna
Directed by Larry McKenna
February 7—March 3, 2013
Hedgerow Theatre
64 Rose Valley Road
Media, Pa
610-565-4211
http://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/

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Ellen Wilson Dilks

Ellen Wilson Dilks has been active throughout the Philly area as an actor, director, dialect coach and dramaturge for over 30 years [gulp]. Past directorial credits include The Laramie Project at Celebration Theatre in Lansdowne, Talking With at Narberth Community Theatre and The Dining Room, Wait Until Dark and Prelude to a Kiss at Colonial Playhouse in Aldan, as well as Almost, Maine, Nuts, Patient A, Independence and Childe Byron with The Players Club of Swarthmore. She served as assistant director for two Adult Theatre School class productions at People’s Light & Theatre Company and a student production at Widener University. As a performer, Ellen has worked with The Players Club, Colonial Playhouse, Calliope, Hedgerow, Footlighters in Berwyn, The Drama Group in Germantown, The Barnstormers in Ridley Park and as a founding member of Cynergy Drama Group—performing in Hamlet and King Lear. She had the pleasure of supporting Philly favorites Pete Pryor and Tom McCarthy in a staged reading at Act II Playhouse in Ambler. In addition, she was a Barrymore nominator for three seasons. Currently Ellen serves as part of the Audience Development & Marketing Committee and acts as de facto Dramaturge and dialect coach for Players Club.

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