Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

1 of 1

Metcalf and Peyankov as Frankie and Johnny

By Terence McNally. Directed by Austin Pendleton, starring Laurie Metcalf and Yasen Peyankov. At the Olympia Theatre, Dublin until 2 October.

One of the foremost theatrical troupes to come out of America, Steppenwolf Theatre Company make their second visit to the Dublin in three years with an assured and accomplished production of Terrence McNally's love story.

Laurie Metcalf, a veteran of the Chicago based company, and Yasen Peyankov assume the roles of the waitress and short order cook respectively whose coming together underlines the universal need for love and companionship in a sometimes uncaring world.

This slice of real life is made even more believable by Austin Pendleton's naturalistic direction. Some stage rules are broken with actors speaking with their backs to the audience and some occasional masking. However, this should not be viewed as pretentious, as its function is to heighten the authenticity of the situation.

The action takes place in Frankie's apartment, which perhaps wasn't as dreary as it should have been in this production, while also lacking a certain feeling of entrapment. Those quibbles aside, the focus is in the main firmly focused on the actors. The plays begins with Frankie and Johnny on their first date, literally stripped bare, a somewhat bizarre precursor to other revelations in the text.

Frankie, as well as being a waitress is also a failed actress. Johnny, who likes to see himself as an honours graduate from the university of life, is quick witted and oozes confidence. However, both have been hurt in previous relationships and it is Johnny who now realises that before him is somebody he can share his life with. He may be a dreamer, but he believes, in middle age, that things can be better than they were before. If only Frankie is willing to reciprocate, then life would be a box of chocolates. Life is rarely that simple!

Laurie Metcalf, an Emmy Award-winning actress, convinces as the now somewhat jaded participant in the dating game. Equally strong and vulnerable, Metcalf captures the many nuances of a complex character. Bulgarian born Peyankov is also impressive as he tries to heighten the bravado, so as to mask his own inhibitions.

James F Ingalls' lighting, combined with Rob Milburn's and Michael Bodeen's sound design create the requisite mood and tempo in a play that demands your attention, as any good character study should.

James McMahon