Continuing its season of Regional Premieres, Falcon Theatre brings us Mr. Parker by Michael McKeever. This play tells us the story of a middle-aged widower who is suddenly left to figure out how to live–and how to love–all over again after 30 years of partnered existence.
The Production Team for Mr. Parker
Director Liz Carman makes excellent use of the space and her pacing keeps the momentum up throughout the intermission-less show. Scene changes are quick and entrances are varied, something that is always good to keep in mind in a smaller theatre. Complementing Ms. Carman’s direction is the Scenic Design by Ted Weil. With the entirety of the action taking place in one setting, Mr. Weil provides a visually stimulating as well as functional playing space grounded in accuracy. Both contributions ensure the flow is very natural and real, as though you are quite literally a fly on the wall of these people’s lives. Special shout-out to Assistant Director Dan Robertson for his contribution to the show’s direction and it’s relatability.
The Performing Artists
What’s the most important part of a three-person ensemble where each performing artists’ time of stage is rather equal? Chemistry. This cast exceeds expectations on this assignment.
Brian Anderson is the title character. He offers us an unfiltered look into what navigating life can look like after decades of going by muscle memory. Terry Parker was shaken from his long-standing routine much earlier than he would have imagined, he is now faced with a world that seems to change daily. Mr. Anderson’s understanding of the pain his character feels is heart-breaking. Likewise, he is thrilled to realize that he has feelings that did not die along with his partner. The juxtaposition of these two emotions is nothing short of rewarding.
In some ways the opposite in energy to Mr. Parker, is firecracker Justin, played expertly by Aiden Dalton. Mx. Dalton’s force is contagious and unbelievably endearing. They are able to elicit such genuine affection from the audience even while some of Justin’s behaviors are a wee bit off-putting.
Rounding out the cast of three is Angela Alexander Nalley as Cassie, Mr. Parker’s sister-in-law. Ms. Nalley’s grasp on her seemingly simple character arc (spoiler alert: looks can be deceiving) is impressive. She pays careful attention to every detail of how Cassie carries herself to how she speaks to how she would react to others in her immediate space. Further, the actors play off each other seamlessly as though they truly are these people with their complicated histories. Bravx to Ms. Carman’s casting as well as to the execution by her cast.
The Sweet and Lowdown
I was fortunate enough–despite my Irish-Catholic upbringing–never to know a world without queer people in my very close circle. While Mr. Parker is not solely about queerness, it would be impossible not to mention it.
When Terry shares his dislike for how negative both he and his core group have become, Cassie is quick to remind him of banner times in the queer community including the 1980s surge of AIDS-related deaths. This is a subject which continues to hit home for me. I feel a kinship to Terry’s character that, while he acknowledges the despair of that time, he still believes there was romance regardless of the existence of horror. All this to say: whatever your sexual identity, there is always beauty to be found as well as pain. Life is filled with both and it is up to us to decide which will dictate how we carry on.
Tickets to Mr. Parker
Mr. Parker runs weekends through March 29th. Purchase tickets here through the Falcon Theatre ticketing site.
