FringeNYC Review: “Coping”
Written & Directed by Anna Strasser
1 hour, 20 min.
BY PUMA PERL | Last year, I had a gut instinct that “Chemistry” — described as “a pitch black comedy” — was the show to see. My hunch payed off, since the play went on to win a number of awards, including the FringeNYC Excellence in Playwriting. This time around, the same team (including one of the strongest actors in the cast, Lauren LaRocca) brings us “Coping,” which I would describe as a drama underlined with an almost goofy hilarity; the type of humor that gives us a well-needed break from tragedy.
In the wake of 25-year-old Connor’s suicide, those closest to him have gathered to prepare for the funeral. LaRocca plays his girlfriend, Sarah, who unwittingly provided the means for him to take his life. His sister, Jessica, is coldly furious at her. Jessica’s girlfriend, Taylor, attempts to make peace, and Connor’s roommate, Lucas, stays as stoned as possible.
Although Scott Thomas’ physicality and expressions may at first seem to be pure comic relief, his character Lucas, like all of them (except for the funeral director, who actually IS comic relief), demonstrates one of the ways we cope in order to accept the unacceptable. Sarah’s OCD, Jen’s anger and control issues, Taylor’s caretaking, and Lucas’ pot and pratfalls: all provide some space in which to live through it.
It is a challenge to present a process that generally takes years in a one-act play spanning the course of three days, and the character that suffers the most from it is Lipica Shah’s Jessica, who, in the opening scenes, is mean and unrelenting enough to appear one-dimensional. As the interactions continue, an emotional scene between Jessica and Lucas digs deeper into both characters, thankfully NOT evolving into scenes of group hugging. There are no quick fixes here, as the ending brilliantly demonstrates.
One of my few criticisms of “Chemistry” was the obvious use of the vehicle as an educational device, breaking the fourth wall to explain various aspects of mental illness. I am happy to report that “Coping” relies on the dialogue and acting without hitting you over the head — well, at least not often.
The writer and director have collaborated in utilizing an offstage voice — a sort of cross between Superego, Higher Power, and Soul — to guide Sarah to completion. Lauren LaRocca brings a mixture of vulnerability and resilience, much like she did in her role as the clinically depressed Steph in “Chemistry.”
My one concrete suggestion is that the venue considers the dispensation of Martinis, shaken not stirred, on the way out. I can recommend it as a means to cope with the emotions stirred up by “Coping.”
Sat. Aug. 22 at 9:45 p.m., Wed. Aug. 26 at 4:45 p.m., Fri. Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. At Teatro SEA at the Clemente (107 Suffolk St. btw Rivington & Delancey Sts.). For tickets ($18), visit FringeNYC.org. Also purchase at FringeCentral, inside the City Lore cultural heritage center (56 E. First St. btw. First & Second Aves.), daily from 2–8 p.m. Order on your smartphone up to 30 minutes prior to performance, at FringeOnTheFly.com.
