All Aboard The Marriage Hearse

Reviewed by Terry Morgan
The Lounge Theatre
Through June 19

RECOMMENDED

Matt Morillo’s compelling comedy/drama All Aboard The Marriage Hearse depicts what happens when a longtime couple discovers they fundamentally disagree about the concept of matrimony.

Amy (Jessica Moreno) and Sean (Tom Pilutik) have just returned from a friend’s wedding when Amy makes it clear to Tom that she wants to get married to him. Although he loves Amy and wants to stay with her, Tom rejects the institution of marriage as an outdated fantasy, which he calls “Santa Claus for adults.” Over one long, emotionally fraught night, their relationship is pulled to pieces, changing it permanently.

Moreno gives a moving impassioned performance as Amy, who lays her heart bare to the somewhat smug Sean. Pilutik excels as an intellectual who stands up for his beliefs, only to realize the cost too late.

Morillo has written a smart play with believable sympathetic characters, and although it slips into dramatized debate mode at times, overall it’s a powerful and memorable show.

The Lounge Theater, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; 6/10 8:00 p.m., 6/11 10:00 p.m., 6/17 6:00 p.m., 6/18 8:00 p.m. and 6/19 4:00 p.m.; through June 19.

www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/3605. Running time: 1 hour, 5 minutes.