Next Act Theater offers an evening of gleeful fun in its production of 7 Stories. In fact, there are enough funny moments to disguise the fact that this play doesn't add up to much.
The play begins with a well-dressed man (known only as The Man) perched on the seventh-story ledge of an apartment building. He seems perplexed. What should he do jump or not? Suddenly, the building's tenants pop out of the windows above the ledge. (Those of a certain age will certainly think of the 1970's TV show "Laugh In.")
Each character appears in whiteface (a fact never explained). Perhaps the whiteface suggests the comical and/or absurd nature of their interactions with The Man? In any case, each resident is more concerned with his or her petty problems than the discovery of a man on their ledge. Some of the characters are genuinely funny; others, less so.
Overall, Morris Panych's script seems dated and stale. Panych introduces us to a procession of stereotypes: a neurotic psychiatrist, a quarreling couple, a gay partygoer, a ditzy blonde, an elderly woman and her paid caretaker, etc. This gets monotonous after the first dozen characters or so. However, there are a few gems. One of the most interesting connections is between The Man (Mark Ulrich) and an actor (Doug Jarecki) who is about to be cast in a "long-running role" as a real-life husband. It's his wedding day, and he is taking a breather on the ledge before taking the plunge with his bride. (This explains why he is wearing a tuxedo.) The actor goes on to explain he has willingly transformed himself into a husband deemed worthy of his wealthy wife's admiration. He has dyed his hair, changed his name and acquired an English accent. When he leaves, he disappears back into the building and never is seen again.
After intermission, The Man begins a series of lengthier dialogues with the building's residents. An especially touching vignette comes near the end as The Man talks with a 100-year-old woman. The suddenly serious tone between them doesn't quite ring true based on what has gone on in prior scenes.
This production features some notable performances, particularly by the talented Mark Ulrich as The Man. Much of his reaction must be conveyed by facial expressions alone.
Tami Workentin also does well as she flawlessly creates characters that range from a wealthy socialite to a masochistic mistress. Debra Babich impresses in her multiple roles, which include a fervently religious middle-aged lady and as the 100-year-old woman. Actors Doug Jarecki and Robert W.C. Kennedy are somewhat uneven in their portrayals, although they click with a couple of their roles.
Next Act Artistic Director David Cescarini directs. As sound designer, he effectively provides the urban noises that remind us of the busy city in which this show is set.
