Zoe Kazan’s ‘Absalom’ at Epic Theatre

Don Fowler
Posted 5/13/15

A Google check could find nothing about this dysfunctional family drama a la Eugene O’Neil, written by actress Zoe Kazan.

I did learn that “Absalom” is referred to in the Bible as the …

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Zoe Kazan’s ‘Absalom’ at Epic Theatre

Posted

A Google check could find nothing about this dysfunctional family drama a la Eugene O’Neil, written by actress Zoe Kazan.

I did learn that “Absalom” is referred to in the Bible as the “Third son of David,” so I’m assuming that Kazan was referring to Saul Weber’s adopted prodigal son, Cole, who returns uninvited and unwelcome to his father’s birthday/ book publishing party.

Epic Theatre has taken the sometimes depressing, confrontational play and done the best they could with it.

Eric Behr is excellent as Saul Weber, the patriarch of a family of writers, including Cole (Bobby Casey), who he had taken in as a young boy and mentored until a major confrontation occurs.

It is all about relationships, competition and survival. Some want “the past to rest in peace,” while others keep the pot boiling.

Rudy Sanda plays son Adam, who can’t get past a tragedy in his life and has serious writer’s block. Nathaniel Lee plays the wimpy son, Teddy, who has stolen his brother’s girlfriend and now lives in a loveless marriage with her (Lauren Odenwalder) and their baby. Sister Sophia (Emily Lewis) is a 38-year-old spinster who has devoted her life to caring for their father.

The two-act play is slow in getting started as characters recall the good and bad times of their childhoods and the influences, good and bad, that their father has had on them.

Saul insists that it is “family first,” but it is his controlling of the family that always comes first. You just know there is a rebellion waiting to happen…and it does.

Performances are excellent in a play that relies heavily on the author’s past and how she remembers it.

The problem is that this family of writers are not always the most interesting and lovable people.

At Epic Theatre’s Theatre 82, 82 Rolphe St. in Cranston, through May 17. Tickets are $12 and $15. Go online at www.epictheatreri.org for more information and reservations.

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