'The Foreigner' Gives New Meaning to Being Yourself

When it comes to Larry Shue’s play The Foreigner—which is playing at Nyack's and directed by Kathy Gnazzo—a language barrier can be a good thing.

Socially-awkward Englishman Charlie Baker, played by Arthur Chill, and his friend Staff Sergeant Froggy LeSueur, played by Nick Byrne, enter a Fishing Lodge Resort in Tilghman County, Georgia owned by Betty Meeks (Mariann Felice). Charlie’s possibly-dying wife, Mary, has been cheating on him and considers him boring, so she sent him away with Froggy. While Charlie stays at the lodge while Froggy is gone, he has one request: no one must talk to him. Froggy lies to Betty, saying that Charlie does not speak English so Charlie does not come across as rude. Froggy then dubs Charlie as “The Foreigner,” and Charlie must keep up this ruse throughout the entire play.

At first this is a challenge, but as he fools the rest of the characters, they freely speak of their personal matters in front of him, thinking he cannot understand them. In reality, he takes all of this information into account and ends up being the hero when danger strikes and antagonists Rev. David Marshall Lee (Kevin Vislocky) and Owen Musser (Derek Tarson) try to commandeer the lodge.

The bond Charlie forms with the Simms siblings Catherine (Emily Gardner) and Ellard (Brendan O’Brien) is especially heartwarming. Charlie discovers that Ellard is considered the unintelligent one of the bunch and is often framed for wrongdoings by David, so he decides to let Ellard “teach” him the English language. There's a hilarious scene of the two playing copycat during breakfast, to show that he actually has potential and is worthy of his father’s inheritance. Catherine, David’s fiancé—who is struggling with her rapidly changing life—seeks Charlie for comfort and a listening ear, which Charlie graciously provides.

Because of these connections, Charlie finds himself developing a personality and forming relationships that he never had with Mary with people who consider him “remarkable.” Charlie pretending to be something he is not actually helps solve the problems of the protagonists.

Charlie inventing his foreign mannerisms and culture is a joy to watch, and definitely showcases Arthur Chill’s energy and sense of humor. Charlie is an older man who somewhat recaptures his youth through his new identity, and you can see how happy and active he becomes. Chill brings out Charlie’s sweet personality, causing you to root for Charlie the entire time. The cast in its entirety does well emulating dialects and the scenery of the lodge is put together well.

The play begins serious, but it has its humorous moments—and eventually its frightening moments as well. It does well keeping its audience entertained and on the edge of their seats.

The Foreigner will be playing at the Elmwood Playhouse until Aug. 6.