By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
THE MATCH GAME presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through May 5th. I attended the opening Saturday matinee performance.
The cast (and set) of THE MATCH GAME. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
What happens when you get to be a fly on the wall witnessing the hijinks of a family who puts the “fun” in “dysfunctional”? You get THE MATCH GAME by Steven Strafford, obviously! This winner of the 2022 Jackie Demaline playwriting competition is your classic dramedy: rife with laughter, tears, and sailor suits. Just the way the Deities intended it…
Jared D. Doren directs this tale which centers around Steph who has quite a bit on her plate what with blood family issues and chosen family troubles – not to mention some serious concerns of her own. Mr. Doren’s keen eye is put to good use both in the use of the playing space as well as his casting choices. He clearly knows people and how to present a realistic tableau on a stage, including when people as intimately involved as family talk over one another.
Set design by Brian c. Mehring is a beautiful and appropriately detailed. Representing two levels and multiple rooms of the family home, the set is roomy enough for all actors to be on stage at once while still feeling terribly intimate. Costumes designed by Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez are realistic and zany as needed. Excellent work!
Not surprisingly, ETC has gathered an all-star cast for this one. Since I can not properly fangirl over them by devoting a paragraph to each, I will try my best to mention some highlights (without spoilers, of course).
In the center of the chaos, we have Jennifer Joplin as Steph. Per usual, Ms. Joplin excels in the role of her family’s “cruise director”. Her interpretation of the character’s emotional journey will keep you fixated from start to finish.
In the role of Steph’s father, audiences have the privilege of seeing Bruce Cromer back on ETC’s stage. Mr. Cromer navigates the complicated role of a long-philandering father coming back with unknown intentions with his usual creative genius. Not to be outdone, Allen R. Middleton hits it out of the park with his portrayal of Alan, Steph’s seemingly absent husband. Mr. Middleton has the incredible knack for bringing a level of charm and sophistication into every role, even to those where he isn’t the audience’s favourite person.
As the member of a dysfunctional family myself, I can relate very directly with quite a bit of the material presented by our esteemed playwright. But being damaged is not a prerequisite: there are universally relatable topics and emotions. I daresay we’ve all known people like those in Steph’s family – and they have more-than-likely made us laugh and/or cry at some point in our lives. The Match Game is an enjoyable slice of life with a great pace and scathing realism – and that is great playwriting.
Click here for more information on the production.
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