Sally Talley (Jaclyn Robertson) and Matt Friedman (Adam Ressa). Photo courtesy of NOVA Nightsky Theatre.
Crickets, the sound of nighttime with frogs, running water, and night air set the stage for a romantic interlude (sound design by Adam Ressa, Jaclyn Robertson, Ward Kay, and Sarah Baczewski). The theater backdrop is small and intimate and set at a moment in time in a Victorian boathouse. There are frayed and faded decorative panels, netting with buoys, eroded lattice designs, and old, wood construction that is falling apart. You could see, that at one time, this was a magnificent boat house that is now well-worn from the passage of time.
The story takes place on the evening of July 4, 1944 at a farm in Lebanon, Missouri where an unlikely courtship is taking place. Matt, a Jewish immigrant from Germany who experienced the ravages of war firsthand, is wooing Sally, a privileged Protestant who travels in wealthy circles. Adam Ressa as Matt is a ball of energy on stage, acting as both the MC and the main character as he seamlessly transitions from one role to another. Matt, a combination of Woody Allen and Richard Dreyfuss, darts around the stage excitedly while reminiscing about a rendezvous a year ago with Sally Talley, played by Jaclyn Robertson. They made a lasting connection that Sally tries fervently to forget. Matt, however, does not accept her refusals, and persistently pursues the ever-reluctant Sally.
Both actors portray their roles in such a way that we can understand their deepest thoughts through their expressions and movements…mesmerizing…
The dialogue dances around the meaning of love, while simultaneously addressing societal injustice, and the physical and emotional ravages of war. This being a comedy/drama, humor is found in the direst of straits. Matt analyzes their relationship with questions that a psychiatrist would pose—asking an unwilling patient who says she did not have a relationship with him and is leaving, yet stays despite herself. Both actors portray their roles in such a way that we can understand their deepest thoughts through their expressions and movements. Melody Dillon was responsible for this demonstration of intimacy through movement. Love is simple, yet complicated, like most relationships. It does not help that they are both talking in circles around the subject in a serious, then whimsical, manner. Matt, impervious to Sally’s disregard for him and unaware of the secret she is harboring, continues to push forth optimistically, knowingly stating, “Life is going to be very interesting with you,” as she groans with disdain. Matt breaks through Sally’s barriers and she confesses to him the secret she has been harboring. It turns out that these two broken, puzzle pieces may fit together perfectly because he harbors a similar secret. As unlikely as the pair may seem, they could not be a better fit.
Through director Ward Kay’s guidance, the two moved ceremoniously, waltzing around each other. It was mesmerizing to see these two actors at work, drawing you into their world. The set and props (whenever possible, props and decor were borrowed, thrifted, or upcycled), sound, lighting, and costuming were a truly collaborative effort among Adam Ressa, Jaclyn Robertson, Ward Kay, Sarah Baczewski, and other generous volunteers.
When everything around you is falling apart, this production shows you that love will prevail.
Running time: Approximately one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.
Lanford Wilson’s “Talley’s Folly” runs through April 23, 2023 at the NOVA Nighsky Theatre, 1057 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046. For more information and tickets, go online. There will also be an upcoming stage reading on April 30, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The performance will be at the Museum of Contemporary Art 3550 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201. This is a free performance and there will be food and drinks.
