NY Review: 'Pratfalls'

“Pratfalls” does not live up to its title, which is both good and bad. First, it doesn’t completely fall on its face. The charming tale of how an out-of-work actor and an almost-40 widow find love on a Manhattan rooftop after a one-night stand definitely has fun with physical comedy. But playwright Holly Webber’s sharp dialogue and endearing characters are more appealing than the literal tumbles her people take for the sake of laughs and plot points.

Unemployed comic Roy, who has a knack for falling down, gets in a twist when he slips on the stairs to the roof of his fifth-floor walkup, breaks both arms, and finds himself beholden to his one-night stand Elena and elderly neighbor Frances. What started as a moment of stupidity for Elena (the sex) and a gimmick for Roy (that slip on the stairs) slowly evolves into a remarkably relatable human relationship. As Elena struggles to take care of Roy, at first out of obligation, with the help of the candid Frances, the unlikely trio slowly discover more about each other. While Webber’s individual scenes work, her entire script is unwieldy. The slightly more than two-hour show could easily be cut to less than 90 minutes, as many of its scenes and characters are extraneous. (Downstairs neighbor Laird Martin, nephew of the landlord, is nothing more than a device, though actor Matthew Baldiga and costume designer Amanda Jenks definitely milk him for jokes.)

Director Jenn Thompson uses the tiny stage of the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre well, and her staging never gets crowded. In fact, it feels very much like the audience is seated on a New York rooftop, thanks to Travis McHale’s set and lighting. The only thing missing is the view.

You’d think an unambitious clown would be the least attractive sort of man, but in Victor Verhaeghe’s hands Roy is quite lovable, a cuddly puppy craving attention rather than a ratty lap dog gnawing at your leg. The most lovable character, however, would be Frances, played to perfection by Amelia White. Frances is the little old lady whom everyone wants to have living across the hall, and White gives her a shrewdness coupled with an approachability that make you wish she was your grandma. As Elena, Kate Middleton finds a nice though sometimes stale balance between emotional inaccessibility and vulnerability.

Ultimately, not all of the pieces add up. (What is the chicken on the cover of the program about?) Still, thanks to the strong scene writing and some nicely layered performances, “Pratfalls” is an interesting commentary on New York life.

Presented by Ground Up Productions at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex’s Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th St., NYC. April 29–May 19. Wed.–Sat., 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. (212) 352-3101, (866) 411-8111, www.theatermania.com, or www.groundupproductions.org. Casting by Guy Oliveri.