To say I was quite surprised by this one is an overstatement. I was quite content with it is more the phrasing I would use in describing Jen Silverman’s “The Roommate.” This is a play that could likely be pulled out of an everyday sitcom or even the plays of the golden days of the theatre. While nostalgia is nice, it’s also nice to see things that are fresh and add something entirely new to an existing format. I didn’t quite feel that was the case with this one. It felt like a cross between Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” and, the first thing that pops to mind as it’s the only thing with role reversal I can think of and that’s a big-ish part of this show, “Freaky Friday.” I mean, yeah, I was floored in trying to figure out the mysteries and invested in the “will they/won’t they” moments of it all, but you still have to take into account that these scenarios are getting a bit tired or can at least be done in a manner that adds something unique to the recipe. You’re never bored watching “The Roommate,” but you can’t help but wonder if there’s anything within here that can be shaken up within the framework of this already-done theatrical structure and storyline. Jack O’Brien’s staging feels very lackluster and dull instead of his usual vibrancy that was certainly found in his last outing with “Shucked.” But I have a hard time in deciphering whether it’s in his actual staging or the overall minimalist production design that’s gone into this show (there’s nothing all too eye catching onstage to truly give praise to). The saving graces to this production are its stars whose chemistry, in my opinion, was quite smashing and intoxicating to watch blossom onstage. Although Mia Farrow has a fantastic character journey that almost seems to come out of no where (more a writing thing than acting), but she really does make it work as journeys from mild mannered Iowan to something even more colorful (won’t give anything away). Patti LuPone is a Long Island treasure through and through, and I loved the vibe and shade she made use of for her character. It’s like it’s certainly her type of role, however I couldn’t help but sense there was something missing in her performance. That something had to do with her character arc; it felt very stagnant and one-dimensional, and that’s so hard for me to say after watching her blow us all away with her performance in “Company” a few years back. It’s still not her worst performance, I just wish there was a little bit more added to it. I wouldn’t exactly recommend “The Roommate” to anyone unless you are one for a feeling of nostalgia and old theatrical frameworks like the ones seen on the Booth stage right now. Or if you want to see to dynamite performers with excellent chemistry onstage, this is one for you as well. If not, don’t worry so much about it. I’m not seeing much with it come Tony season anyway.
