Closer is Right On

At last! A play that taps into the tension, paradoxes, anxieties, and bliss of modern relationships.

I reluctantly read the play on my brother's recommendation during a x-country flight. Marber's play left me shaking and crying (my apologies to the United Flight attendant who had to comfort me, thanks for the free G&T).

Marber's play is effective in three ways:

1) The rhythm and sharpness of his language is impeccable. If you can just read the first 3 pages at a book store you will get a sense of how pared down and exacting he is. His keyboard is a scalpel.

2) His sense of humor is right on for its topic and its time. His humor is not only funny, but dark, meaningful, and meditative.

3) The story and characters are profoundly moving. Its power reminds me of something Chris McQuarrie said (screenwriter of The Usual Suspects),

--->Most people recommend structuring your story
--->like a roller coaster. I think that's only half
--->right. You should build your story like one of
--->those old wooden roller coasters. Readers shouldn't
--->just be thrilled by the ups and downs, but afraid
--->the whole &)(*# thing might collapse under them at any time.

That's exactly how gripping I found the story. The characters are very human -- likable, flawed, detestable and exactly like ME and everyone I know all at once.

The plot will blindside you.

Like any phenomenal playwright Marber operates on the reader at a level below the events and characters of the play -- reading the play, you will feel as if your unconscious is being tinkered with, and you are helpless to stop it.

I expect some people will, in fact, hate this play.

What I can guarantee is that you will have a strong reaction to it.

I hear Steppenwolf is doing the show in Chicago; I hope the play soon comes to San Francisco.