In
Amy Herzog’s play, 4000 Miles, playing at New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre
through March 16th, a grandmother and her early 20’s year old
grandson, suddenly thrown together, slowly forge a symbiotic and trusting
relationship that leads to mutual understanding and growth for the impetuous
young man.
The
play begins as Leo (Micah Stock) surprises his grandmother (Zoaunne Leroy) when
he arrives at her Greenwich Village apartment in the middle of the night,
having just concluded a cross-country trek on his bicycle. The youth, a free spirit and a bundle
of self-importance, asks for temporary shelter while deciding his next step in
life. The brief stay soon
stretches out for three weeks as the two become closer and more dependent on
each other. Along the way Leo must deal with
death, relationships, and family matters.
During
the almost two hour, intermissionless show Herzog gradually builds a story that
seems longer then the aforementioned time frame, but fulfilling in the end. Her characters are full of personality
and complexities as they struggle with each other’s temperament and
individuality. The playwright also
manages to weave in the pain of aging and the desolation of loneliness.
Micah
Stock is impressive as the irresponsible and immature grandson. He is irritating and self-absorbed, yet
also vulnerable as he comes to grip with his personal demons and uncertainties. Zoaunne Leroy is wonderful as the
octogenarian grandmother, Vera Joseph.
She is mercurial and sassy, but pained as she confronts her own frailties
while trying to develop some type of rapport with her daughter’s son. Leah Karpel as Leo’s girlfriend, Bec,
is fine but not given enough emphasis to make her role as well-rounded as the
two central performers. The same
goes for Teresa Avia Lim as Leo’s one night stand, Amanda.
Director
Eric Ting doesn’t hurry the material, allowing the actors to sink into their
roles and let them slowly evolve.
His pacing of the production is key. Some audience members may find the play’s tempo somewhat sluggish
or lethargic, but those that stay attuned to the show’s rhythms will be
rewarded with a rich and satisfying, yet melancholy ending.
4000
Miles, at New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre through March 16th.
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