Jeff Daniels’ Comedy “The Vast Difference” Opens at the Purple Rose

Chelsea’s renowned theater company, the Purple Rose, has opened its current season with a revival of actor/playwright Jeff Daniels’ The Vast Difference. First presented twenty years ago, the show is directed by Guy Sanville, who appeared in the original production.

Tinged with existentialism and occasionally stepping into the absurd, the story is set in the early 1990s. It focuses on the middle-aged angst of George Noonan (David Bendena), who works as a steward for a Midwestern airline. Much is made of this fact, since at the time male flight attendants were considered a relatively new concept. He is also married, with a wife (Stephanie Buck) who pushes him to have a vasectomy after producing five daughters. George’s worries and frustrations compel him to treat his female urologist (Rhiannon Ragland) as a quasi-therapist, venting to her while she responds in a coolly detached, impersonal manner. The ghost of George’s father, Earl (Richard McWilliams) is added to the mix, appearing in numerous flashbacks to his son’s earlier years and commenting on present circumstances.

Bendena proves to be an excellent fit for George, unassuming in both appearance and demeanor. His facial expressions and physicality are comically endearing, even at times recalling those of British comedian Rowan Atkinson. He is well matched by McWilliams’ performance as Earl, a “man’s man” who loves John Wayne, cigarettes and baseball games. McWilliams skillfully underplays of much of his character’s dialogue – often to highly amusing effect – but his fatherly affection remains evident.  

The two actors are ably supported by the energetic ensemble, some of whom (Nathaniel Eyde, Rusty Mewha, Michael Brian Ogden, Drew Parker, and Tom Whalen) play multiple roles as they act out George’s memories and hallucinations. The script features a couple of awkwardly constructed moments, but the company takes them in stride.

The scenic design by Gary Ciarkowski centers the action in Earl’s barbershop, appropriate considering the significance it holds for George. Projections and placement of set pieces suggest changes in locale. Katherine Nelson’s costumes are delightfully designed, and the lighting and sound by Dana White and Tom Whalen likewise provide wonderful support. The Vast Difference continues its run at the Purple Rose Wednesdays through Sundays, now through December 14. Tickets can be purchased in person, by calling  734.433.7673, or visiting the website at www.purplerosetheatre.org.