A Study of the “Fault” Lines in a Marriage

By Wes Hessel

The world premiere of the intense, striking, deeply dark comedy of “Fault” boldly demonstrates what world class theater looks like – being the play is making its debut at Chicago Shakespeare, that’s not at all a surprise. The riveting work onstage by Enrico Colantoni and Rebecca Spence as the husband and wife looking to lay blame for the major deterioration in their relationship, as well as Nick Marini’s unexpected third wheel caught in the middle, make for a joint action of sharp, pointed comedy with moments of dramatic revelation beauty.

Triggered by events earlier in the day, the couple has reached a point where something (or someone) must give, but considering the type-A profiles of both, surrender is not an option. The great but most credibly built irony is that they actually each care for the other, but their individual priorities and breakdowns in trust have pushed that to the side, the partnership broken. Amongst others, two things are well illustrated by the writing of Scooter Pietsch – be careful what you wish for, and letting the voices of doubt in your head speak for you will lead to no good.

Paul Tate dePoo III’s gorgeous set design, with a city view most only dream of and furnishings to match, gives a backdrop of seeming civility to rampant unrest. The kicker here is the man behind the curtain, whom we most certainly should pay attention to – director Jason Alexander; his comic genius has already been long established on the “small” screen and then live stage, including two years ago in this very same space for the also wicked wonder “Judgment Day”. Mr. Alexander’s hand on this is very apparent in delivering the goods of great comic theater and real glimpses of humbling humanity. So if you miss this tour de force (or is that farce?), the only “Fault” will be your own. You only have until May 24th, so make your move now to www.chicagoshakes.com for tickets or more information.

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