The Portuguese Kid– A Genial Comedy Offered in Rough Times
On the one hand, John Patrick Shanley’s play doesn’t seem as if it takes place, as stated, “A few weeks ago.” Relationships are fairly predictable, characters familiar, the axis of the plot thin, ambience dated. (None of this was true when the playwright created similar climate in 1987’s Moonstruck.) On the other hand, it rolls along with affable good humor, dialogue is credible and deft, acting swell. Why does everything have to be provocative, and/or politically correct? Sit back, be comfortable, laugh a little.
Wealthily widowed for the second time, Atalanta Lagana (Sherie Rene Scott) has come to the law office of childhood friend Barry Dragonetti (Jason Alexander) ostensibly to ask that he handle selling her house so that she can start fresh. (He has a license.) The two never had a romantic relationship and, in fact, habitually snipe at one another. Also at odds with the attractive widow is Barry’s mom (Mary Testa) who acts as his ersatz secretary intruding, prodding, criticizing; assuming Atalanta is predatory.
We know that calling out Barry’s name during 25 years of sex with her husbands must mean something. Recently deceased Vincent chose another attorney to write a pre-nup (putting the house in his name) for this reason. Still, Barry’s now married to the attractive, much younger Patty (Aimee Carrero) while Atalanta’s bedding the much younger Freddie (Pico Alexander) whom she’s helping acquire a real estate license, so why is she there? Uh huh. Neatly tying up relationships, it seems that Patty and Freddie were hot and heavy just prior to the new hook-ups. You can probably guess the rest. Getting there is mostly amusing. (Unfortunately, the playwright has added a Trump issue in order to say the name aloud and appear relevant. Ignore it.)
Mr. Shanley directs his own play with a sure hand and adroit pacing. Someone else might have brought new perspective, but…
Jason Alexander plays Jason Alexander with sympathetic characterization.
Atalanta emerges sexy, smart, yet just a touch innocent. Sherie Rene Scott imbues her with indulgent patience. Physical acting adds color. Comic timing is impeccable.
Aimee Carrero’s Patty is plucky and vulnerable. The actress allows us to believe the young woman’s lack of self awareness.
Freddie is the kind of pretty, cocky, young man accustomed to being sought and sustained. Pico Alexander delivers with a light touch.
Mary Testa delivers a mother we’ve seen innumerable times- just what the play calls for.
John Lee Beatty’s Set looks both faux and right.
Note: In Greek mythology athlete Atalanta, secure that she would win, agreed to wed any suitor who beat her in a race. Aphrodite gave a candidate three irresistible golden apples which he tossed as he ran. Atalanta picked them up and lost. A happy marriage ensued.
Photos by Richard Termine
Opening: Pico Alexander, Aimee Carrero, Mary Testa, Jason Alexander, Sherie Rene Scott
Pico Alexander & Sherie Rene Scott
Aimee Carrero & Jason Alexander
Jason Alexander & Sherie Rene Scott
Manhattan Theatre Club presents
The Portuguese Kid
Written and Directed by John Patrick Shanley
City Center Stage I 131 West 55th Street
Through December 3, 2017
