PRIVATE EYES IS SO PRIVATE
THAT YOU’LL CROSS YOUR EYES
TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT
Perhaps Shakespeare was right to say “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” At least that seems to be the case in Steven Dietz’s Private Eyes, a “Comedy of Suspicion” now onstage at Theatre Palisades. Five actors interact in separate scenes, as if rehearsals are taking place for a play or movie in which they are appearing, but nothing is ever quite what it seems to be since scenes seem to contradict each other. Thus, the story becomes more and more confusing as time passes. But that seems to be the point. So just sit back and enjoy the talented cast who offer five characters in search of a plot in life. It’s the audience that struggles with the indecipherable plot onstage, amusing as it may be.
Cara Kluver, Richard Conolly, Erin Galloway, Nikki Marie
A talented cast offers characters you hope will find their way in life. Erin Galloway and Cara Kluver play husband-and-wife actors Matthew and Lisa. But what is true about their lives and what is made up is never clear; it seems they are rehearsing a play while trying to figure out their marriage. Is it working, or isn’t it? British actor-turned-director Adrian (Richard Conolly) may be having an affair with Lisa, while Adrian’s wife Cory (Nikki Marie) may be carrying on with Matthew. Or perhaps it is all imaginary, showing us what each would do if given the chance. Don’t ask me!
Erin Galloway, Nikki Marie
Actors come and go out of each other’s lives. Scenes play out as if they are episodes from real life. So it appears that Lisa is having an affair with Adrian. But then it seems, perhaps, that the affair is part of the play being rehearsed. Or perhaps Matthew has imagined all of it simply to have something to report to his therapist, Frank (Richard Osborn), who pops in and out attempting to help Matthew and Lisa work on their marriage, together and separately. Cory, the mysterious woman seemingly shadowing the others is who you expect will bring the story to a surprising conclusion, but does she? The audience itself plays the role of detective in this “relationship thriller” about love, lust, and the power of deception.
Erin Galloway, Richard Osborn, Cara Kluver, Richard Conolly
Unfortunately, the plot is impossible to follow as it is so non-linear that you never know who to believe, or if they are ever telling the truth. It’s so confusing that I just did not care about what was going to happen next. However, mystery lovers who enjoy stories that jump around, keeping you wondering exactly what is going on, and what is real and what is made up, may be real fans of the story since interpretation is really left up to the viewer. Indeed, the only people I recommend this to are those who love addlepated mysteries where there is no point to try and understand the characters or story.
Erin Galloway, Richard Osborn
So don’t expect any answers or valid clues from the characters since each scene also appears to be an imaginary episode taking place in the mind of Matthew. Director Michael Keith Allen shares in program notes that author Steven Dietz describes “the play at its core is about the fear of loss. The low-level panic of two people … with nowhere to run. Only laughter can make us recognize truths we’re not fond of … and let us think that next time, next time, it will be different.” OK, but it’s still a remarkably illusionary work which tests the limits of credibility and understanding.
Cara Kluver, Richard Osborn
Matthew’s therapist Frank may be the only “frank” character in the play who always tells the truth. But when he reveals he used to be an actor, all logic seems to fly out the window; it left me dishearteningly uncertain if anything just seen really happened or if it was merely a fantasy. Then again, perhaps that is the point. Stop trying to figure life out and just live it. Meanwhile, I’ll be buying some popcorn.
photos by Joy Daunis
Private Eyes
Theatre Palisades
produced by Martha Hunter and Sherman Wayne
Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Road in Pacific Palisades
Fri and Sat at 8; Sun at 2
ends on December 15, 2024
for tickets ($20-$22), call 310.454.1970 or visit Theatre Palisades
free parking available on site and in the surrounding neighborhood