The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Carol Montana

ELLENVILLE, NY (June 26, 2013) – There’s a slash between the two words in the title of John Cariani’s newest play. And there’s a very good reason why.

It’s not because the title describes the behavioral changes one associates with falling deeply in love. And it’s not because the show shares the title with several films, or the Bob Dylan song or the Elton John or Emily Osment songs.

No, this play is titled “Love/Sick” because in 10 vignettes, Cariani chronicles his belief that life, and subsequently being in love, don’t always turn out as you plan. And because he also directs the show, the point is driven home with the perfect blend of humor and pathos.

Perfectly cast with Katie Hartke, Kathy McCafferty, David Mason and Daniel Robert Sullivan, the vignettes or mini-plays will make you laugh and cry – often (astonishingly so) at the same time. What a tribute to the whole creative team!

Each scene (except for the first and last) features two of the performers in delightful combinations perfectly blended to the story. Frenetically cavorting about the stage as a reluctant bride, a frustrated groom, a couple in the throes of an obsessive/compulsive physical embrace, a lesbian couple struggling to find a balance between home and work, a singing telegram delivery man and the receiver and many more, Hartke, McCafferty, Mason and Sullivan show exceptional teamwork and ensemble acting. If you’re not laughing or crying or smiling or empathizing in some way in every single neurotic scene, well, perhaps you’d better check your pulse.

Applause to the scene crew for their fast and efficient changes on Drew Francis’ sparse but useful set in this “alternate suburban reality.” Holly Lewis Budd’s costumes are perfect for each scene and for facilitating quick changes, and Chris Hallenbeck’s lighting enhances every single vignette.

Congratulations to Cariani and to Shadowland Artistic Director Brendan Burke for taking a chance on what is only the second production of this funny, meaningful play. Love is imperfect, love is strange.

And Cariani’s “Love/Sick”? Quirky? Absolutely! Sad? A little. Fun? Most definitely!

“Love/Sick” continues Thursday through Sunday at the Shadowland Theatre at 157 Canal Street in Ellenville until July 7. There is no show on Thursday, July 4.

For tickets and information, call 845-647-5511 or visit shadowlandtheatre.org