Salvage, at First Folio Theatre, is a world-premiere drama that feels like an old friend. From the moment we meet Jason (Tyler Rich) we know him. We don’t know all the details, but he’s every person who ever spent days pursuing a dream that seems like a dead-end. Jason sits somewhere between trying to keep the dream alive and accepting the inevitable end.
When he is close to his lowest point, Sarah (Melanie Keller) walks in the door with a story and, maybe, just maybe, the answer to his prayers. Sarah could be the one who helps create his happy ending – personally and professionally.
Set in Jason’s Detroit collectibles store, Salvage tells its story through words and music. The vinyl records Jason plays reflect his thoughts, even when his words send a different message. The carefully curated items sitting on shelves are characters in themselves, mixing memories and future promises.
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The first act sets-up all possibilities. Jason and Sarah could live happily-ever-after. They could end up as friends who help each other overcome their fears and fulfill their potential. Jason and Sarah might be two people who spend a short time together and then never see each other again. As intermission starts, you are filled with possibilities.
Salvage was written by Joseph Zettlemaier, an award-winning playwright whose work was described by the American Theatre Magazine as “infused with an idiosyncratic sense of humor, but he never shies away from darker emotions.”
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It is the darker emotions that fill the second act. Jason and Sarah move from two people helping each other through difficult times to professional adversaries who still harbor strong personal feelings. At least we think they still have strong personal feelings. There are moments in the second act when the audience isn’t sure if these two people are sharing an honest moment or if they are simply protecting themselves.
The audience rides the roller coaster with Jason and Sarah, who are the only two characters on the stage. Tyler and Melanie perform their parts beautifully, with an easy chemistry that makes the story believable. It’s their strong chemistry that invites the audience to invest in their relationship. There are only two actors to carry this drama. If either of them was a bit less likable or vulnerable, the audience wouldn’t go on their journey with Jason and Sarah.
Salvage is a very different play from what First Folio Theatre regulars usually seen. Known for its innovative Shakespeare productions, First Folio Theatre also produces other classic plays. As a world-premiere, Salvage expands First Folio Theatre’s portfolio with a new production that feels like an old friend. This is a good play for a date night or a family outing with older teens.
Salvage is on stage Wednesdays through Sundays until April 27 at the lovely Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.firstfolio.org/ or call (630) 986-8067.
Disclosure: I attended the media opening night. My words and opinions are my own.
