Shining City

Shining City
Sunday, July 16, 2:00pm
New York City

I was fortunate enough to see the final performance of this wonderful production. It starred Brian F. O'Byrne, Oliver Platt, Martha Plimpton, and Peter Scanavino.

The story takes us to Brian's apartment that he just got. He starting as a therapist and is first client is Oliver Platt's character. He shares that he's seeing is departed wife in his home and it is freaking him out. He's left and has begun staying at a Bed and Breakfast just to get away. He really breaks down and does a marvelous job of conveying how torn apart he is about all this. Brian consoles him and reassures him that he'll get through it.
In the next scene we see Martha's character arriving at his apartment and we learn that he's married and has a newborn child. He's moved them into his brother's home and has taken this apartment for himself. They fight and we learn that he was formerly a priest but left to marry her. She worked to put him through school and he became a therapist. There's no resolution to the scene and when she leaves we don't know if their relationship will make it or not.
Then Oliver comes back and has another session. Time has passed and he appears much more relaxed about the process of coming to this man's apartment and talking about his issues. He delves into a huge story about this woman that he met at a party and the failed attempt at having an affair. It's quite detailed and lasts for about 30 minutes. Oliver Platt is amazing and the time flys by as he tells us the story of this lovely woman who brought excitement into his drab life.
In the next scene Brian brings Peter into the apartment and we ascertain that he has brought home a prostitute to perhaps answer some questions about his sexuality. It's all extremely awkward and the scene ends as Brian breaks down and the two actors begin to dance together.
In the final scene Oliver returns once again to the apartment and Brian is obviously packed up and leaving. Oliver brought a gift to say thank you, a Tiffany lamp, and we learn that he's moved out of his home and has purchased an apartment. The place was really too big anyway. Brian's character is returning to his wife and child and seems also to be on a healthy road to life. If you haven't seen this play yet, I suggest you know move on to the next entry, for I'm about to spoil the ending. As Oliver leaves the apartment the door is open and there's a good-bye sequence. When Brian closes the door, standing there in the red coat that her husband bought her, is the ghost of Oliver's wife. It is an absolutely shocking moment!! The adrenalene races through your system and the show is over. What a feeling!!

I would reccommend this show to anyone, not just for the jolt at the end, but for the experience of watching these professional actors display their craft. Oliver Platt is amazing as he tells the story of his affair. Brian brings you to tears as he wades through all his confusion. Martha floors you with her passion and fire, and Peter truly shows you a slice of someone that you've never before come in contact with. An amazing production.