By Liz Eichler
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s world premiere dramedy The Match Game is now open, ready to deliver a potent blend of humor and heart. Steven Strafford’s story of a family facing a myriad of challenges, pulls you in and keeps you engaged.
At the center of the whirlwind is Stephanie, portrayed with depth, strength, compassion, and humor by Jennifer Joplin. Steph grapples with mid-life tribulations, juggling her daughter’s impending graduation, a troubled marriage, and her own battle with cancer. Her estranged father John (Bruce Cromer ) adds another layer of complexity. He claims to suffer from Alzheimer’s, prompting Steph to both take him into her home and question his veracity, while navigating her own motivations.
Performances
Director Jared D. Doren ensures the action unfolds quickly. His characters yell up and down the steps, talk in and out of the kitchen–like real people. Each character is tightly woven into the family dynamic, revealing threads of vulnerability, stoicism, yet a longing for connection.
The cast features strong performances from Savannah Boyd as Nora, Jared Joplin as Brian, and Allen R. Middleton as Alan. The relationships are extremely authentic–especially between Steph and Brian, real-life brother and sister Joplins. There is palpable connection between the characters–and some appropriate distance (Intimacy Choreographer Erin Carr). Cromer navigates the challenging role of John with the skill of a master.
Henry Howland, however, steals the spotlight as Sean, infusing the production with levity, Gen Z, and charm. The role and his portrayal inject moments of comic relief, providing a respite from the family’s chaos. His final speech is well written and well-performed.
Themes of The Match Game
Thematically, The Match Game explores the complexities of family relationships and the often elusive truth. In some families “anything goes.” Others focus on family fun. In others (even–or especially?–the fun ones) the first rule is not to talk about feelings, to hide them away. The only scene not in the home is a storage locker (impressive set change noted, team). Steph says sometimes you only “look at truth from a storage locker.” She also underlines “Sometimes you don’t get what you want from the people you want it from.”
Production Team
The production team includes Brian C. Mehring (Scenic & Lighting Designer) and Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez (Costume Designer), who transport audiences into the heart of the family home. The set features an impressively sturdy stairway, and a peak into the kitchen with well-worn refrigerator and wallpaper. Everywhere is evidence of a lived-in life that is well cared-for, but a bit stuck in the past. Every detail exudes authenticity. Costumes are all appropriate and the second act sailor suits and props are perfect.
The soundtrack, featuring iconic seventies rock tunes, underscores the emotional beats of the story, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for both characters and audience. Sound by Matt Callahan.
Overall
With strong performances, sharp writing, and impeccable production values, The Match Game delivers captivating storytelling. Strafford’s script navigates the delicate balance between humor and pathos, inviting audiences to reflect on the intricacies of the family experience, delving into truths about love, forgiveness and acceptance. Through witty dialogue and poignant exchanges–and some well-placed nostalgia–the play is a satisfying evening of theatre.
Tickets to The Match Game
The Match Game runs from April 13th to May 5th, 2024, at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Tickets start at $35 for adults, with discounts available for students and groups.
ADDED NOTE:
Opening night began with an homage to Jackie Demaline, the long-time theatre critic for the Cincinnati Enquirer, who passed away a few years ago. This is the first fully staged play from the funds Jackie accrued to begin her mission to further Cincinnati’s theatre heritage with the PLAY/write Collegiate Competition. “Cincinnati was blessed with a person who could speak her mind and have a passion for theatre,” D. Lynn Meyers shared. She also reported Jackie had great respect for Jared Doran, director of this first show. Maybe it was the mutual “JD” initials, or maybe she could sniff out and motivate that passion in others.
