Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – More of the same from Mark Rylance in NICE FISH, and that’s fine by me

• By drediman
• March 26, 2016
• No Comments

Over at St. Ann’s Warehouse, the odd and surreal new play Nice Fish by Mark Rylance – who also stars in the show – and Louis Jenkins is concluding its run (courtesy of American Repertory Theater). The play, a “jukebox” play of sorts comprised of Mr. Jenkins’ prose poetry, brings to mind the existential landscape of Beckett, as well as the quirky charm of a Wes Anderson flick. The limited plot concerts two amateur ice fisherman, Ron and Erik (played by Mr. Rylance and Jim Lichtscheidl, respectively), who fumble about a frozen lake in Minnesota to fish, all the while spouting seemingly random stories and thoughts. They are joined sporadically by other characters – a suspicious DNR officer, a precocious local girl, and her fisherman grandfather. Despite some delightful performances and an enchanting physical production (the perspective-expanding tundra-like set is by the talented Todd Rosenthal), I found myself getting somewhat antsy around the one-hour mark – luckily the production clocks in at around 90 minutes – at which time the novelty of the play starts to wear off.

The production is directed by Mrs. Mark Rylance, Claire van Kampen, who coaxes gentle staccato rhythms from her actors that fits the material perfectly. Nobody combines befuddlement with deep-seated wisdom better than Mr. Rylance. As Ron, he doesn’t disappoint, although for those of you familiar with his work (or have seen his Tony Award acceptance speeches), there’s nothing really new here for you to savor. Much like Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, Ron has himself a more confident sidekick, Erik, here played with a game poker face by the excellent Mr. Lichtscheidl. These two fine actors are supported handily by beguiling performances from Kayli Carter, Bob Davis, and Raye Birk.

RECOMMENDED

NICE FISH
Off-Broadway, Play
St. Ann’s Warehouse
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Through March 27