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Regional Reviews: New Jersey Closure: Superlative Production of Lurid Melodrama
Substantial particulars of Natalee Holloway's background and disappearance, and the problematic investigation, provide the back story for Richard Dresser's mystery-melodrama Closure, in its world premiere production at New Jersey Repertory Company. However, the particulars of the disappearance of Haley Fiske (the play's unseen stand-in for Natalee) are pure pulp fiction at its most ludicrous. A number of red herrings and a least likely suspect dénouement are trotted out over the course of the 100-minute one-acter. Such elements often are par for the course in pulp fiction mysteries. However, the scenario is so riddled with holes that it prevents the viewer from granting it any credulity. Furthermore, given the tragic nature and broad and distressing implications of Holloway's disappearance, it is disappointing that Dresser fails to explore any of the issues which the case raised. However, a couple of slack, talky intervals notwithstanding, Dresser is a skillful story teller, and his Closure manages to hold our interest and keep us guessing. The play is set three months after the disappearance of Haley Fiske. Her mother, Jane Fiske (who like Natalee's mother is a school teacher), has returned to "a Caribbean island" in an attempt to galvanize the seemingly desultory investigation into her daughter's disappearance. Jane is relying on American expatriate Roy Hadley, a local police detective who has told her that he has found a "person of interest" in his investigation and that it is possible that Haley is still alive. Peter Fiske, her husband and Natalee's father, has reluctantly accompanied Jane. Peter, who is hostile to Hadley and seems more interested in his executive job than being on the island, shares the opinion of Dutch official investigators that Haley is highly unlikely to still be alive. Roy's person of interest turns out to be hotel café waiter Ken Townsend, a twenty-something Caribbean man from London on an extended hiatus from economic studies (so he says), who, when he is not waiting tables, is selling ganja, getting high and shagging American teenagers on vacation. Under the rigorous direction of Joe Cacaci, the spirited cast brings just the right amount of heat and passion to their roles. Wendie Malick in the pivotal role of Jane runs a gamut of emotions suitable to the melodrama at hand while believably integrating her multiple facets. Gary Cole exposes with intensity the calculation that goes into Ray's every word and action. Victor Verhaeghe artfully conveys Peter's discomfort and angry evasiveness. Biniam Tekola is up to the difficult task of portraying Kenny, underplaying his emotions and guarding his intentions throughout as required. The plenitude of settings about the Caribbean island are integrated into a lush, lavish and colorful set. Set designer Jessica Parks seems to have again (as she did with her set for Swimming at the Ritz here at NJ Rep at the start of this year) expanded the stage beyond the confines of this intimate theatre, providing more and more varied playing areas without diminishing the sweep of the overall design. Jill Nagle's bright and unobtrusive lighting design fully complements the setting, and the appropriate costumes by Patricia E. Doherty are evocative. Providing a look reminiscent of a large scale Technicolor MGM romantic melodrama of the 1950s to the plotline of a black and white detective style programmer of the same era is pleasurably discordant and enhances our enjoyment of the play. Author Richard Dresser has created contrived behaviors and relationships which lay waste to his stated intention to provide insight into the manner in which a marriage and a married couple might be affected by a situation akin to the Natalee Holloway tragedy. However, Dresser does keep the pot boiling. Given the paucity and popularity of twisty mystery plays, Closure could prove to be a popular attraction for local theatre companies, summer stock and community theatres. Closure continues performances (Evenings: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8 pm; Sunday 7 pm/ Matinees: Saturday 3 pm; Sundays 2 pm and selected Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 7pm) through July 19, 2015, at the New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway, Long Branch, New Jersey 07740; box office: 732-229-3166; online: www.njrep.org. Closure by Richard Dresser; directed by Joe Cacaci Cast
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