It’s rare that we root for cheaters.
But that’s what happens with “Same Time, Next Year,†now on stage at Live Theatre Workshop.
The Bernard Slade play is about George and Doris, who meet in 1951 at a northern California inn. Though married to others, they can’t help themselves: they fall into bed for a passionate night.
Neither is inclined to leave their spouses and children, so they agree to meet at the same time the next year. Then the next. And the next. The comedy takes us through 24 years of their weekend trysts.
There’s much that happens in the world in those years: assassinations, war, protests, women’s liberation, Gestalt therapy.
The times that are a-changin’ are reflected in George and Doris’ dress, speech and attitudes.
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We also see a friendship and love that deepens and, in a way, is kind of pure — one weekend a year means the pressures of daily living don’t affect their relationship. Their love deepens, but never interferes with the life they have with their families the other 363 days of the year.
“Same Time,†sharply directed by Sabian Trout, stars two actors who have a keen sense of comedy: Shanna Brock and Stephen Frankenfield. They know how to hit the funny lines, but both are good enough to make the more tender, and few heartbreaking, moments resonate. Brock’s character more quickly changes with the times, and she has no problem slipping from a ’50s housewife to a hippie to a woman on the move — she was rooted in every era. Frankenfield’s George is a bit slower to buy into the accoutrements of the changing times. We see his evolution with his feelings, which range from wild guilt to deep, deep sorrow.
The chemistry between the two actors was not electric, but the honesty of the performances made up for that.
The playwright has created a couple of characters who do not behave in an admirable way. Yet, audiences can’t help but admire them, thanks to the humor. And, too, thanks to this production.
