Norm Foster is a playwright who gives voice to everyday life.
His dialog doesn't dazzle you with fancy wordplay - though he does
know how to set up a joke. His stories focus on the kind of people
you're likely to meet in your neighborhood, or at work. But even
though they're "normal," Foster's characters still CAN be
ECCENTRIC. . . like the balding man in this scene, who's seeking a
date with a grey-haired woman.
"It's just at my age, I …"
"And what age is that?"
"Pardon me?"
"How old are you?"
"You see, that is exactly why I got the coffee to go."
Age, of course, is normally a taboo subject - but given
Foster's light approach, it's funny.
"No. Can't you tell?? I mean my God, look at me. Wrinkles on
the neck. Lines on my face. I know you must know that I'm
somewhere between 40 and 60."
(Laughter, the audience clearly thinks she's older)
"I love those lines. I love a woman who's comfortable with
aging. They'd have the neck smoothed over…"
That exchange - first the forbidden question, then a
reassuring statement - is symbolic of this show. It's an extended
duet, in which actor David Silberman plays a genial gent who keeps
surprising the character played by actress Judy Jean Berns. After a
moment of disbelief, she recovers her poise, and gradually realizes
she sort of likes the guy.
Aside from the novelty of the blunt questions, which are fun
for the audience, there aren't many surprises in this show. It's
basically a matter of "old boy" gets "old girl," with a few
complications. But playwright Foster has a knack for presenting
characters that feel familiar, even reassuring. The guy writes the
theatrical equivalent of middle-class comfort food… it's not fancy,
but hey, in times like these, folks like a slice of tasty meat loaf
as they navitage the buffet table of life. Norm Foster, and
the B Street Theater, have figured this out.
"Old Love" plays at the B Street Theater through
September 12th.