The short (75 minutes) one-act, The Counter, provides a slice-of-life at a smalltown diner. The show, playing at Theaterworks Hartford through March 22, is is an intimate story between two individuals (with a brief appearance by a third person) looking to cope with their simple lives, engage, and build trust with each other.
Katie (Justis Bolding) helms the front of the eatery where Paul (Tim DeKay), a retired firefighter, is always her first customer. Simple premise. However, one morning, Paul proposes a rather odd, atypical request of the proprietress. This sets into motion a reckoning by both characters, each with their respective pasts and possible futures.
Justis Bolding and Tim DeKay in The Counter. Photo by Curtis Brown.
Through a number of scenes, showing the passage of time, playwright Meghan Kennedy slowly explores the evolving relationship between the two protagonists. This is not a love story, but of a tentative friendship where heart-to-heart tête-à-têtes reveal deeper truths. There is easy-going ruminating, humorous leavened with pathos, in the dialogue that could be overheard at any local diner. At certain points, especially towards the end, the plot can seem contrived, with a somewhat hurried ending. The inclusion of the town doctor, Peg (Erika Rolfsrud), provides a short, but important element to the play.
Bolding and DeKay, under the uncluttered, straightforward direction of Rob Ruggiero, each give a naturalistic performance. The actress provides a dash of spunk, independence, and a charm befitting a smalltown diner. Tim DeKay, who is fast becoming a favorite at Theaterworks Hartford, could be an amalgamation of the denizens of the TV sitcom Cheers. Sometimes gruff, self-deprecating, and willing to talk your ears off, the actor effectively presents a multi-layered character looking for direction and tethered to hope. Erika Rolfsrud delivers a well-honed, no-nonsense, yet vulnerable, performance in a role that provides an integral piece of Paul’s backstory.
Justis Bolding and Tim DeKay in The Counter. Photo by Curtis Brown.
The interior of Set Designer Tijana Bjelajac’s diner is detailed and authentic looking. Matthew Richards’ lighting design adds a touch or realism as the sun sets and rises each day over the venerable establishment.
The Counter, playing at Theaterworks Hartford through March 22. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
