Theatre Review: Detroit

Theatre Review: Detroit
Image: Photo by Gez Xavier Mansfield
“Detroit” is a tricky play. It starts in one place and lands in another entirely. The play’s pedigree, nominated for a Pulitzer in 2011, warns that it is not a simple, modern comedy. The premise is funny, lulling, and ultimately devastating. A sort-of settled couple, Mary (Lisa Chappell) and Ben (Ed Wightman), live in a blighted neighbourhood on the outskirts of Detroit (or anywhere in America, according to playwright Lisa D’Amour, though this Australian premiere is firmly in Detroit). The conventional couple meet their new neighbours, just out of rehab, Kenny (James O’Connell) and Sharon (Claire Lovering).  All are refugees of the failing American dream, and share hopes and secrets and slapstick scenarios. They are grappling with the promises and failures in this age of disconnected communities and the abstraction of success, and though most of the show is witty and easily entertaining, the ending switches the tone to a more serious measure of the modern world. (OA)
Until August 16. Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Eternity Playhouse, 30 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $30-$45. Tickets & info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com or 8356 9987.

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