The Invested

Diversified investment portfolios and credit ratings may have been foreign concepts to many Americans before the crippling downturn of 2008. But now, in a weaker economy, those terms are common concepts, ones that playwright Sharyn Rothstein deftly employs in her intriguing topical play "The Invested." Rothstein churns her drama with subtle plot twists that spur her characters' questionable motives, and somehow she humanizes the madness of Wall Street. Add a phenomenal supporting cast and neat direction by Ron Canada, and "The Invested" becomes a surprise theatrical gem.

Set during the crescendo to the 2008 panic, the work explores the role of banks and fund managers in the build-up to the Great Recession. Catherine Murdoch—not a coincidental surname, I'm sure—is the head of wealth management at MetroBank, and after the board passes her over for the CEO position, she attempts to sit quietly. However, Bill Enoch, the new ego-driven CEO, has other plans. He arrives at the company with a seemingly thriving fund of his own, which he plans to sell to clients. Catherine is wary of Bill's dealings but promotes his fund nonetheless. Assailed by workplace politics and overambitious subordinates, Catherine's career slowly unravels, and the damage is done before she even knows it.

The play does stumble in places. The first scene between Catherine and Bill misses a few beats, and the momentum takes time to pick up. However, once it does, Canada keeps it driving. Lauren Helpern's sleek set functions well, and while Emily DeAngelis' costumes are definitely business casual, I did find it a tad odd that Catherine rarely changes her ensemble. Her assistant wore a new outfit every time she came on stage. The play does take place over six months, after all.

Thomas Hildreth and Christina Haag are suitable as Bill and Catherine, but the supporting cast is the highlight, particularly Judith Hawking and Bill Cwikowski. As wealthy heiress and MetroBank board member Jane Griffin, Hawking finds the perfect tempo in Rothstein's words and lands every laugh amidst some heavy drama. Cwikowski plays Sid, Catherine's oldest client, and Sid's humble "don't feel sorry for me" nature rings true in every word Cwikowski utters. Sid's the grandpa everyone wishes they had, money or not, and Cwikowski makes him the most empathetic character in the piece. While their snooping subordinates' plotline is necessary but not the most interesting, Turna Mete and Michael Daniel Anderson keep the action moving as Catherine's aide Madeline and office jokester Henry.

Rothstein's ability to spin financial jargon into compelling dramatic material is impressive. I only wish there had been more Jane and Sid in the play. Hawking and Cwikowski steal the show.

Presented by Madeline Austin, S.D. Wagner, and Carrie Shoenfeld at the 4th Street Theatre, 83 E. Fourth St., NYC. Sept. 14–24. Mon., Wed.–Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (Additional performance Sat., Sept. 24, 3 p.m.) (800) 838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com, or www.theinvested.com. Casting by Brette Goldstein.