Talented duo pulls off polished performance at the Firebarn

By Lorraine Lucciola, Standard-Times correspondent

Sweet sincerity, sensitivity and professional reciprocity between leading actors Shael Colantonio and William "Bing" McGrath are the highlights of the Little Theatre of Fall River's production of "Talley's Folly."

Under the astute direction of Leo Strickman, the cast of just two players gives gentle and realistic life to the beautifully engrossing, Pulitzer Prize-winning script by Lanford Wilson.

"Talley's Folly" is perfect summer fare for devotees of Little Theatre Firebarn offerings. The show is presented in the intimacy of the group's performing space in Fall River's historic Highlands district.

The action begins with little exposition, as the characters jump right into a heated and heartfelt discussion of their previous, short-lived love affair. At first, it's hard to say if it's love or their fear of it that will glue them together again or pry them apart.

Through compelling and humorous dialogue, thoughtfully presented by Mrs. Colantonio and Mr. McGrath, we are allowed to enter the lives of two diametrically opposed human beings.

Sally Talley (Mrs. Colantonio), an insulated and independent Midwesterner, lets her guard down only rarely for the likes of someone like Matt Friedman (Mr. McGrath), whom she describes as "exotic." He refers to himself as "a hairy Jewish accountant."

The action of the play takes place in Lebanon, Mo., in the Talley family's dilapidated boathouse. Matt travels from St. Louis to once again and finally plead his love to Sally.

This scenario alone is a trying one for an actor, not to mention the physical and emotional demands inherent in performing a two-character play, in one hour and forty minutes straight, without an intermission.

Mr. McGrath is immediately likeable. Of course, we champion his cause and support his "chutzpah" (nerve). Mr. McGrath gives unique meaning to his portrayal of Matt, delicately lacing his pitch to Sally with admitted bravado and insecurity, real feelings a man would undoubtedly experience in such a situation.

This visit is a "do-or-die" confrontation for this very complex character. "I can take no for an answer. But I can't take evasion and I can't take hiding in the closet," Matt states.

Mr. McGrath's natural sense of humor lets some deliciously funny and poignantly true lines fly with whimsy and grace. "I might have been in love with you and you might have been in love with me and wouldn't that have been a catastrophe," he notes. "People are eggs," he says. "We have to be careful not to bang up against each other."

There is a bittersweet beauty in Matt that is understood and transferred to the stage in Mr. McGrath's sensitive performance. He rants and raves, he tries humor, he tries resignation and even tries leaving, but not before exhausting every slim possibility that Sally still wants, needs and loves him. If only she was brave enough to say so.

Shael Colantonio is a lesson in poise and grace in this production. It's not that we don't like Sally, but she is understandably and visibly perturbed from her first entrance. Still, we seek explanation and we want her to accept Matt.

Mrs. Colantonio is perfect as the stoic of the piece. She fuels the conflict so necessary to this gem of a script.

This actress gracefully balances her demeanor to intermittently admonish Matt for his foolish thinking, yet softens with compassion and warmth when he hits a nerve in the history of Sally Talley's protected life. "You're perfectly honest, perfectly evasive, perfectly mysterious and perfectly frightened out of your wits," Matt tells her.

They do come together at superbly timed moments to put aside, at least temporarily, the constant seesaw of emotion they ride. One such scene has Sally teaching Matt how to ice skate. It is truly silly in its human simplicity, which is why it is so funny.

Getting Matt strapped into and up on skates is only the beginning. One oan't help but plug into the analogy that this guy is literally "skating on thin ice."

Mrs. Colantonio gives instruction to her student, or rather, to his feet, as if they had motorized minds of their own. Actually, it appears that they do. It is amazing how well Mr. McGrath feigns absolute clumsiness. We'll just assume it's good acting! He is wonderful with physical comedy and appropriately awkward in handling props in this cramped, musty boathouse.

Later in the scene, he finds himself in yet another compromising position. Matt has come in for a skater's landing and ends up uncomfortably splayed over a barrel -- another amusing metaphor.

"Talley's Folly" does give us the gift of a happy ending. The characters are in each other's arms and murmuring their final lines before we realize that the story is drawing to a close. Just like real life -- sometimes painfully predictable, sometimes a joyful surprise.

Adding to the oharm of the show is an exquisite and workable set, designed and constructed by Ron Robinson. It establishes a cozy environment which perfectly enhances the action on stage.

"Talley's Folly" continues at Little Theatre of Fall River's Firebarn, 320 Prospect St., Fall River, at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with its final performance Sunday evening at 7. Tickets are $10, with discounts available for seniors, students and groups. For reservations and information, call (508) 675-1852.

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