‘The Way We Get By’ One of Neil LaBute’s Best

THE MORNING AFTER: Thomas Sadoski & Amanda Seyfried star in Neil LaBute’s surprisingly romantic ‘The Way We Get By.’ Photo: Joan Marcus

THE WAY WE GET BY
Written by Neil LaBute
Directed by Leigh Silverman
Through June 14, 2015
Second Stage Theatre
305 West 43rd Street (west of 8th Avenue)
(212) 246-4422, www.2ST.com

By Scott Harrah

Prolific playwright Neil LaBute has been misunderstood by some critics in the past, and that’s a shame because he’s one of the most provocative American dramatists of the 21^st century. The author of the Tony-nominated Broadway drama Reasons to Be Pretty, as well as countless Off-Broadway efforts, from Fat Pig and Some Girl(s) to Wrecks and The New Testament to the play and film The Shape of Things, always explores the dark side of the American male psyche, much like David Mamet did decades ago. However, this new one act is Mr. LaBute’s most upbeat and—dare I say it?—romantic work to date. It also offers the chance to see Broadway veteran Thomas Sadoski in the lead, opposite Hollywood star Amanda Seyfried (of Les Miserables and Mamma Mia! film fame). What’s more, the male lead is a completely likeable guy (and Mr. LaBute isn’t exactly renowned for writing sympathetic male leads).

Mr. Sadoski and Ms. Seyfriend star as Doug and Beth. They are two young people playing the singles game and aren’t committed to anyone yet, but as the story opens, we learn they have just spent the night together after a booze-soaked wedding reception they attended. Beth lives in an expensive Manhattan apartment with a roommate who’s a control freak. She’s not quite sure what she thinks of Doug, or how she can express her feelings to him.

Doug is completely infatuated with Beth, but also frustrated by not knowing where he stands with her. The play delves into commonplace topics of sexual attraction, dating and what defines people’s different perceptions of a couple. As in all Neil LaBute plays, there’s a twist. Of course, to even discuss it would be a spoiler, and Mr. LaBute’s jarring narrative techniques aren’t even the main reason to see the show.

Mr. Sadoski, nominated for a Tony for his role in Mr. LaBute’s Reasons to Be Pretty back in 2009, and seen last year in the Oscar-nominated Reese Witherspoon vehicle Wild, is at the top of his game here as Doug. From the opening scene, when he wanders around in his underwear in Beth’s apartment, looking dazed and confused, to his many proclamations of admiration for Beth, Mr. Sadoski gives an emotionally exhausting performance. He adds a level of intensity and vulnerability to Doug that goes far beyond what is written in Neil LaBute’s solid script. It’s impossible not to root for the guy.

Ms. Seyfried visually fits the part of Beth, a gorgeous blonde. Unfortunately, as accomplished an actress as she is, Ms. Seyfried—making her Off-Broadway stage debut here—doesn’t have much stage presence. Sure, she has plenty of chemistry with her co-star, but at times she cannot keep up with Mr. Sadoski’s rapid-fire delivery of Mr. LaBute’s crisp, staccato dialogue. However, let’s cut Ms. Seyfried some slack because this is her first time on the New York stage, and stage presence is something she’ll certainly develop, define and perfect over time to match her effervescent TV and film persona.

Leigh Silverman directs both actors with precision, helping them extract the sincerity and poignancy of one of Neil LaBute’s most simplistic and best works ever.

INTENSE MOMENT: Thomas Sadoski & Amanda Seyfried in ‘The Way We Get By.’ Photo: Joan Marcus

COUPLE AT A CROSSROADS: Thomas Sadoski & Amanda Seyfried in ‘The Way We Get By.’ Photo: Joan Marcus

HOLLYWOOD FILM & TV STAR MAKES HER OFF-BROADWAY DEBUT: Amanda Seyfried as Beth in Neil LaBute’s ‘The Way We Get By.’ Photo: Joan Marcus

ACTOR AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME: Thomas Sadoski gives the performance of his career in ‘The Way We Get By.’ Photo: Joan Marcus

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published May 19, 2015
Reviewed at press performance on May 17, 2015