Bill Eadie

San Diego Arts

Boston Marriage at Compass Theatre

A play about women from a guy's guy
By Bill Eadie
Posted on Thu, Nov 5th, 2009
Last updated Fri, Nov 6th, 2009

Hillcrest's Compass Theatre postponed its production of David Mamet's "Boston Marriage" from spring to fall. The wait was worth it.

If anything, David Mamet is a "guy's guy" as a playwright. From sleazy real estate salesmen in "Glengarry Glen Ross," to sleazy Hollywood agents in "Speed-the-Plow," to sleazy political operatives in the film, "Wag The Dog," Mr. Mamet knows how to put the talk that guys talk with each other on stage. If anything, his women are crafty sex objects (such as Madonna, in the Broadway production of "Speed-the-Plow") or whining schemers, such as Carol in "Oleanna," which is currently enjoying a Broadway revival.

So, it is odd to find a Mamet play where all of the characters are women, who speak in Victorian language (though, with some contemporary zingers thrown in) and who do both funny and somewhat heroic things. Perhaps Mr. Mamet was inspired by his adaptation of Terence Rattigan's "The Winslow Boy," as a film: both works debuted in 1999. No matter, though. "Boston Marriage" is a delight.

Anne marie Houghtailing and

Ravenna Fahey

Photo courtesy Compass Theatre

The setting is a drawing room in turn-of-the-century New England. Anna (Anne marie Houghtailing) receives a visit from her former lover, Claire (Ravenna Fahey). Each woman is celebrating a victory of sorts. Anna has become the mistress of a wealthy gentleman who has installed her in sumptuous digs complete with servants, while Claire has become infatuated with a young woman. The young woman has lived quite a sheltered life, so Claire has come to persuade Anna to allow her to arrange an assignation at Anna's house. They are waited upon (and frequently interrupted by) a none-too-bright Scottish maid (Michelle Brooks), whom Anna continually berates for being Irish.

The young woman arrives at Anna's doorstep, but complications ensue and Anna finds her livelihood threatened. In a move most reminiscent of Noel Coward, but also with a hat tip to Lucille Ball, Anna and Claire disguise themselves as fortune tellers in an attempt to stave off disaster. All turns out well in the end, but getting there is most of the fun.

Under Don Loper's direction, all three actresses display crack timing with the rat-a-tat, mixed with poetic elegance, dialogue. Ms. Houtailing and Ms. Fahey have to carry the show, and they work extremely well together, but Ms. Brooks, as the interloper, gets many of the best lines and some of the biggest laughs. Adam Lindsay's set takes excellent advantage of the wide and not-very-deep Compass stage, while Lisa Burgess provided beautiful costumes on a budget.

Compass seems to be having a tough time financially right now, but these troubles haven't affected the quality of "Boston Marriage" one bit. Run out to see this one before it closes on November 22. You'll be glad you did.

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About the author: Bill Eadie is a professor of journalism and media studies at San Diego State University. He has a long-standing connection to the San Diego arts scene, having attended his first professional theatre performance in San Diego at age 13. He was smitten and has kept coming back for more ever since.
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Comments

Posted by Nicole	Sat, Nov 7th, 2009
We saw Boston Marriage at the Compass last night and loved it. The entire experience was a pleasure. We enjoyed everything: the intimate stage setting of the Compass, Mamet's witty and sharp dialogue, and the strong talent of the actors themselves (Anne Marie Houghtailing playing Anna is excellent). I would encourage anyone in San Diego who enjoys live theater to check this one out. You will not be disappointed.

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