Jenni Chiaramonte and Shaun Bedgood (Photo by Joe Coldize)
Reviewed by Asa Fris
Whitlock Productions at McCadden Place Theatre
Through Feb 15
It’s three in the morning on February 15th, and two strangers wait at a subway stop in Queens, NY. Robbie (Jenni Chiaramonte) sits on one of two benches, a backpack and a metal tank by her side. Galen (Shaun Bedgood) paces, picks up trash, and repeatedly curses at a speaker that announces it’ll be over an hour before the next train arrives.
Seemingly fed up with Galen for disturbing the peace, Robbie asks him to be quiet, and Galen honors her request. But now a dialogue between the two opens, and they begin to chat. As they cover topics such as relationships and mental health, questions arise: How much can, or should, either reveal about themselves? Can they find connection, support, or even friendship in a stranger? And what are either of them doing there the morning after Valentine’s Day?
Sweet Air by Matthew Morillo, is as heartfelt as it is tiresome. This production is an expanded version of the play from its premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival last year. It’s full of whimsical and romantic energy, which is charming for a ‘platonic’ romantic comedy. But the production, directed by Katie Oliver, is underdeveloped and drags well past its stated 70 minute run time.
The action consists of Galen and Robbie continually revealing more and more about themselves to each other. It could be thrilling to watch them both navigate the fears and uncertainties that arise from choosing to trust a stranger, especially in Morillo’s setting. But both Galen and Robbie engage in comfortable chit-chat so quickly that the fear and excitement of the scenario vanishes. And when they eventually decide to share laughing gas (sweet air), or break out into song and dance, it’s unfortunately unremarkable.
Both Chiaramonte and Bedgood are at times humorous and sweet as Robbie and Galen, but struggle to gain any real momentum throughout the night. They both seem uncomfortable with either the action or the dialogue, and Oliver’s staging does little to ground either in Morillo’s world. Despite their unease with the material, their sincere approach to it still makes for many endearing moments.
McCadden Place Theatre, 1157 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru Feb. 15. http://sweetairplay.com Running time approximately 70 minutes
