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May 2011  |  By Marjie Killeen  |  Comments

“Fifty Words” Explores the Challenges of Marriage

Michael Weller’s play, running through June 26 at Profiles Theatre, exposes practically everything that can go wrong in a modern marriage.

The work covers betrayal, contempt, fear, guilt and resentment, yet offers hope that love can prevail.

The play opens with New Yorkers Adam and Jan in the unfamiliar position of having a night home alone; their 9-year-old son has left for his first sleepover. Adam, played by ensemble member Darrell W. Cox, uses the opportunity to try to get his wife into bed before leaving on a business trip the next day.

Unfortunately, his eager horn-dog moves leave Jan (Katherine Keberlein) cold. She’s irritable and distracted; she has work to do. When Adam first kisses her, the couple’s awkwardness is palpable. These two obviously haven’t been intimate in a while.

As the night progresses, things heat up in unexpected ways. The couple’s revelations are both painful and humorous and probably hit close to home for much of the audience. Love isn’t always pretty, it isn’t always fair, and it sure hasn’t turned out to be what Adam and Jan expected. But during the 85-minute performance, we come to understand that there are many different kinds of love that are both powerful and passionate—and despite the head games, sometimes it really boils down to sex.

The Profiles Theatre is close quarters. The sleek set is sandwiched between two raised stands of seats, so you’re not only viewing close-ups of the action on stage, you’re looking at the other half of the audience as well. The sensation is both voyeuristic and a little disconcerting, especially when the actors’ claws come out and the clothes come off.

By morning, Adam and Jan have had to face some awful truths, but there’s a sense of relief that at least they’re finally being honest with one another. This is an adult play with adult themes that should thoroughly fascinate anyone who’s ever been in a committed relationship.  

Fifty Words runs through June 26 at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway, Chicago. Tickets are $35-$40 at 773-549-1815 or profilestheatre.org.