Just like an athlete preparing for an important match, individuals seeking out a partner must come prepared -- with strategy, focus, and determination -- when it comes to the game of love. In Noah Casey's production of Playing for Advantage, presented by If You Can’t Beat ‘Em Productions and part of the 9th Annual FRIGID Festival (Feb 18 - March 8 at the Kraine Theater and UNDER St. Marks), a couple's relationship unfolds with the sport of tennis used to parallel each and every move.
Under Matt Clarke's direction, Beth (played by Kirsten Kilburn) and Tom (played by Noah Casey) appear on stage dressed in crisp, white tennis apparel, a chalkboard keeping score in the background as they share how they first met. Each provides a play-by-play of that the first interaction -- who noticed whom first, who approached whom first -- fully aware of the gender roles when it comes to those early moments of flirting and setting up the first date. Reenacting the events of the party where they met, Tom and Beth open up about the "rules" of dating and how they felt during each part -- excited, but not wanting to give away too much; showing their "safe" selves, before displaying the “real” ones. As the relationship progresses -- through first dates, their first kiss, the moment they realized they were in love, the decision to move in together, and the gradual wearing off of the new relationship glow -- the board keeps score of the "player" most in control.
Kilburn and Casey provide a real account of what a relationship requires and do so in a humorous, bold, and relatable way -- to the point that couples in the audience nodded their heads in agreement and giggled to each other at the all-to-familiar woes: Can he take out the garbage for once without being asked? Is she really hearing what I'm saying? The back-and-forth pointers and explanations of thoughts and actions are well-timed and mimic the intensity and suspense of a close tennis match. It is easy to imagine your head going from side to side as each presents their case and serves it to their partner.
Casey's take on relationships is spot on for today's dating world. With access to so many choices, we are conditioned to lace up our gloves and protect ourselves when meeting our opponent potential partner, staying one step ahead and keeping our emotions in check -- because the second you let go a little is when you lose the advantage. Yet, as Beth and Tom eventually realize, sometimes not everything is about winning. Once you sort through what you really need from your partner and relationship and be honest about it is when the real game begins!
