Playwrights Horizons has kicked off a new Redux Series on top of its regular programming. This effort is focused on allowing worthy off-off Broadway plays, often with extremely limited runs, another opportunity to be appreciated and in a larger venue. Miles for Mary was created by The Mad Ones, written by its cast and director, Lila Neugebauer (The Antipodes, The Wolves). In the riches of New York theater it’s often difficult to see every great piece, especially when rave reviews come late into a short run. After seeing this play, I am extraordinarily excited for this series and thankful that this exceptional work has been showcased.
Miles for Mary is about a school in Garrison, Ohio, circa 1988-1989. The setting is a teacher’s room with slogans on the wall like “Do More.” There’s the table, the desk, the coffee pot and the teachers. The play opens with a discussion on the upcoming school year’s annual telethon. Miles for Mary raises scholarship funds in honor of a promising student athlete who was tragically killed in a car accident years earlier. The teachers are seen first negotiating this year’s fundraising theme.
Amidst this apparently good natured exercise is workplace tension extraordinaire. Everyone is trying their darndest to get along. Passive aggressive behavior oozes. Stretched out over many meetings leading up to the telethon, the teachers all become more irritating and more irritable. Filled with all kinds of psychobabble mumbo jumble about feelings, the result is outrageously hilarious. At some point, Miles for Mary becomes a stand-in for any staff meeting with opinionated, pretentious, pandering group dynamics.
Everyone in this cast was excellent. Marc Bovino as the nerdy, tightly wound AV guy. Joe Curnette as the committed but possibly dimwitted coach and health teacher. Michael Dalto as the group’s leader who over embraces sharing yet tries to lead discussions with a stopwatch. Amy Staats as Brenda, on speakerphone since she’s out with some illness but still part of this committee. Stephanie Wright Thompson as the track suit wearing, coffee drinking, quip hurling firecracker. Stacey Yen as the new member of the committee, just trying to be helpful yet bring fresh new ideas to the group.
Miles for Mary is a play for anyone who has ever been in a meeting and wanted to strangle someone who says stupid things. Or maybe Miles for Mary is a mirror for those pedantic fools who babble speak about nothing. Gorgeously paced, this play ranges from extremely silly to incredibly intense and uncomfortable. Miles for Mary is great theater. I hope this play becomes a staple across regional theaters everywhere.
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