Playwright: David Eldridge. At: Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Berwyn Ave. Phone: 866-811-4111;$20-$22. Runs through: Nov. 19
For playgoers familiar with the British education system, London environs and maritime climates, there is a wealth of social commentary to be found in Steep Theatre's latest glimpse into Anglophile lifestyles. Its characters are teachers, after allsome in impoverished East End classrooms, and some in posh suburban academieswith the ideals they bring to their occupations influencing their personal conduct, for good or ill. For audiences who confuse "fifth form" with "fifth grade," however, the most immediate lesson offered by David Eldridge's play is the folly of pursuing workplace romances.
Sara and Nick shared a drunken tumble in the sheets three years earlier, awakening in the former a hope for something more, until the latter announces his decision to accept a position at an elite Essex "independent," leaving his trench-companion-with-benefits to continue the fight in the immigrant slums where they met. In the meantime, Nick's ex-girlfriend, Michelle, vents her jealous rancor toand onboy-bud Graham, whose tolerance masks an affection that the insecure Michelle is unable to accept. Finally, we have middle-aged professor Anne, whose departure facilitated Nick's escape, and Robert, her much-younger colleague and would-be swain.
Foolish youths looking for love in the wrong places, and patient elders rewarded for not looking at all, would compose a fable far more welcome if Eldridge's own sympathies weren't so obviously reflected in the attention he bestows upon his personae. While Robert and Anne banter with warmth and camaraderie, Sara utters such tearful pleas as "Why are you torturing me like this? I feel so exposed!" as she waves a kitchen knife at her reluctant paramour, who stammers apologies like one of his own students. Slutty Michelle and nerdy Graham are no less adolescent in their alternating vilification and consolation of one another.
The Steep Theatre Company has long proved its mettle at bridging cultural behavior alien to our yankee experience, but since the laments of four unhappy lovers are necessary to set up the happy ending for the last two, we must endure nearly an hour of shallow ranting before we emerge to the wisdom of seeking satisfaction in your job, letting Cupid fly at his own pace, speaking your mind, following your bliss, etc. Even with a running time of only 80 minutes, that's a lot of rain before the sunshine.