'Things We Do For Love' is the Perfect End of Summer Treat

By Anna and Karen Dydzuhn

If for no other reason, go see What We Do For Love for the set. No, really. Not that other reasons don’t abound, but James Noone, who consistently hits the mark with subtle yet thematically significant sets, outdoes himself this time.

The play explores the life of Barbara (Geneva Carr), a recluse whose sole focus is her work, as she invites an old friend to stay with her. Nikki (Sarah Manton), Barbara’s old school friend, is staying in the upstairs apartment with her fiance Hamish (Matthew Greer) while work is finished on their future home. Meanwhile, Gilbert (Michael Mastro), the downstairs tenant, pines after Barbara, sometimes drunkenly, sometimes obsessively.

The set encompasses Barbara’s three story house, each separate but interconnected. The apartments are often centers of action simultaneously, lending the space a truly lived in feel.

Of course, What We Do For Love does not rely on its set to make it shine. The play is laugh-out-loud funny and well acted. The play starts off slow, but the early time given to establishing the characters and their quirks pays off and grounds the rest of the show.

At first each characters’ flaws seem stark and grating, especially those of Barbara and Hamish. However, when the two antagonists embrace their attraction for each other, their chemistry drives the hilarity of the show. Ms. Carr’s precise--and fun!-- comedic timing is the rock solid foundation of the show. She and Mr. Greer have an electric energy and play off each other excellently in their scenes, especially with their physical humor.

Nikki, as the greatest victim of their affair, lends a thoughtful side to the comedy. As the two people she most trusts betray her, she must bend or break against the stress. Ms. Manton does well with this peppy role, bringing depth and humanity to an often shallow character. And who can forget Mr. Mastro’s Gilbert, whose comedic chops will keep audiences laughing at every performance.

What We Do For Love’s hilarity does not abate. Although the physical humor of it sometimes borders on the slapstick, the play is refreshingly forward in its humor. Indeed, the less sophisticated humor helps balance out the heavy thoughts about love, sacrifices, and the lives we get stuck in. These weightier themes sneak in so fast among the laughs but fit in seamlessly throughout the play.

What We Do For Love is perfect for the end of the summer - light enough for a dose of seasonal relaxation but containing enough serious thoughts to remind you that the changes of fall are on their way. For more information on tickets, contact the box office at (203) 227-4177 or go to westportplayhouse.org.