Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C.

Life x 3

Also see Susan's review of The Tempest


Kathryn Kelley, David Fendig, Paul Morella and Chandler Vinton
Yasmina Reza received a great amount of attention a few years ago for her play Art. Now Roundhouse Theatre has produced Reza's Life x 3. The play takes a look at the same scene in three different ways. However, the device falls flat and none of the three segments turn out to be very compelling.

The focus of the piece is on two couples. As the four gather for a rather disjointed evening, topics arise that include child rearing, infidelity and physics. Each scene disintegrates into some sort of confrontation. The result is rather tiresome. Even a discussion about the value of humanity does not succeed in being provocative. The individual segments seem to go nowhere, creating a theatrical experience that fails to be intellectually or emotionally satisfying.

The cast does their best with the material. Each couple has good chemistry. David Fendig (Henry) does a great job of portraying the many facets of an ambitious researcher. Chandler Vinton (Sonia) as his wife plays off him well. A very strong performance is given by Kathryn Kelley (Inez) as the beleaguered wife of a high ranking scientist. That scientist is played by Paul Morella (Hubert) and he does so with the appropriate mix of intelligence and shiftiness.

The set by James Kronzer is suited for the piece. The set works with the theme of the show by rotating and creating a different view for each scene. Additionally, Kathleen Geldard's costumes fit the character's individual style.

Life x 3 has an interesting concept that created a host of possibilities. Unfortunately, the play does not live up to its potential. Life x 3 runs through May 1st at Roundhouse's Bethesda location.

Round House Theatre
Life x 3
March 30th —May 1st
Written by Yasmina Reza
Directed by Lou Jacob
7501 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Ticket Information: 240-644-1100 or www.roundhousetheatre.org

Cast List: David Fendig, Kathryn Kelley, Paul Morella, Chandler Vinton


Photo: Stan Barouh


-- Tracy Lyon


Also see the Current Theatre Season Calendar for D.C.