In the Mood
Reviewed by Nikki Munoz
Ark Theatre Company
Through December 14
As implied by its title, In the Mood is about sex.
Sex, the characters learn, is complicated. The play depicts Stuart (Eddie Navarro) and Linda (Soda Persi) during two dinner conversations in which they attempt to navigate their intimate relationship. They are joined by their waiter, Raymond (Akul Dang), who inserts himself into their business. Directed by Arash Ainehsazian, this production finds strength in Stephen Fife’s script, which only falters in its conclusion.
Fife, a Stage Raw critic and current playwright-in-residence at the Ark Theatre Company, writes dialogue that jumps off the page. It’s blatantly funny, layered in meaning and tightly inserted into the 80-minute plot. Further, his characters are distinct and palpably natural. However, the writing becomes convoluted in the resolution, in which Fife works against the characters he has created.
Linda wants her sexual relationship with Stuart to evolve into something more committed, which Stuart strongly resists. Stuart is controlling and overbearing, constantly silencing Linda’s voice. Linda begins as timid and submissive before finally asserting herself in the second act when she begins to advocate for what she wants. Due to Stuart’s poor treatment of Linda, the relationship is not one easy to root for. Yet, that is precisely what the play asks the audience to do, as evidenced in the ending in which Stuart proclaims he loves and respects Linda — yet clearly has done nothing to demonstrate that. It’s an unearned denouement, unworthy of the overall superior quality of the writing.
All three actors bring a radiant life to their characters. Assisted by Ainehsazian’s directorial blocking, their performances are magnetic. Navarro, adept in his physicality, accompanies his often-nonsensical dialogue with gestures that emphasize Stuart’s absurdity. Persi drives her character’s arc through facial expressions, both before and after her voice is silenced. And Dang discloses his character’s idealized nature with a strong posture and smooth speech. In tandem, they create a tension as striking as it is entertaining.
Despite its skewed resolution, In the Mood mostly excels in depicting sex in a relationship in a funny and poignant way. Intimacy is turned inside out, on full display not only for the other diners in the restaurant in which the play is set, but also for a room full of theatergoers.
Ark Theatre, 5708 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; through Dec. 14. https://www.arknoho.org/. Running time: 80 minutes with no intermission.
