“Baggage” isn’t memorable, but it’s the comfort food of theater

By LARRY ADAMS
A Seat on the Aisle

“Dammit! This play is going to end happily! I knew it!”

There’s a term that’s entered the popular vernacular, especially since the age of streaming: “comfort television.” It refers to shows that are generally light, predictable, enjoyable, and relaxing without requiring a whole lot of cognitive effort on the part of the viewer. Sure, we all recognize the artistic and societal value of more challenging pieces – where would the Emmys be without them, after all – but sometimes, after a busy day with the kids or a hectic week at work or school, you just want to kick back with a bag of Oreos, turn your brain off and be entertained. Maybe even more than sometimes.

The same is true for theater, I think. Most of us who have trod the boards or sweated behind the scenes would, of course, like to think we were part of something “important;” but often it’s important just to give your audience a break from life and a smile as they leave the theater.

That’s where Baggage, the current offering of Lebanon’s Center Stage Community Theatre, comes in. In an entertainment world seemingly intent on “subverting expectations” or hitting you repeatedly over the head with “The Message” (as one reviewer puts it) at every opportunity, Baggage is content with knowing exactly what you expect and want in a simple love story- and then giving it to you. Novel concept.

It’s not subtle. The basic premise of the show cranks the predictability factor up to 11: two preposterously mismatched people, Phyllis Novak (played by Lauren Johnson) and Bradley Naughton (played by Mark Livingston), meet cute due to the thinnest of plot contrivances, initially can’t stand each other, but then … well, you know the rest. Cue the music, take a bow, drop the curtain.

But not so fast! Playwright Sam Bobrick throws a beautifully comedic and meta curve into the formulaic mix in the form of smarmy psychologist Dr. Jonathon Alexander (played by David Shaul in his second CSCT appearance), who right up front breaks the fourth wall with the audience and cops to the whole thing: This is what’s going to happen – you know it, we know it, so just sit back and enjoy the ride. (Well, the good doctor isn’t really quite on board with enjoying it, but clearly the playwright is winking at us from behind this character the whole run of the show.) Throw in Mitzi Cartwright (as portrayed by Amy Keitt, also a Center Stage two-timer), Phyllis’s thrice-divorced, looking-for-love, kooky sidekick friend (and yeah, we all know where THAT’S going too) as well as a healthy lack of weighty issues or existential angst, and you’ve got all the makings for Comfort Theater with a capital “C.” And you know what? It works. Really well.

Mark Livingston and Lauren Johnson as Bradley Naughton and Phyllis Novak. (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)

And why wouldn’t it? Director Veronique Duprey has put together a stellar cast who display a natural and seemingly effortless chemistry at all times on the stage. Though falling prey just a tad to some overacting in the initial moments of an adrenaline-fueled, opening night performance, the actors quickly settled down into the tricky yet wonderful balance of comedy and believability upon which a show such as this lives or dies. Livingston in particular shines as the weepy IRS lawyer who finds love without looking for it, infusing his character with a remarkable authenticity in both the laughter and the tears.

The pacing and timing, essential to any show but particularly a comedy, are spot-on, the set and lighting add to the ambiance without drawing undue attention – even the preshow and intermission music choices, often overlooked, show an attention to detail that an audience can’t help but appreciate, if perhaps only on a subconscious level.

The show is indeed executed nearly flawlessly by a talented Center Stage cast and crew. But in the end, Baggage succeeds primarily because it’s honest with itself and with its audience. It is a romcom without apology or pretensions. It’s sweet. It’s charming. It’s comfortable. A year from now, you’ll likely not be able to call up any memorable zingers from the evening – or even much of its paint-by-numbers plot. But you’ll remember the warm feeling you had when you left the theater. You’ll remember the charm. And these days, that by itself is worth the price of admission.

Baggage continues through March 8 at Center Stage’s theatre in Lebanon. You may call (765) 894-5587 for reservations and information. Their website is CenterStageTheatre.org.

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