“Lungs” is Smoking!
New Rep’s newest production, “Lungs,” by Duncan
Macmillan, rocks the black box with laughter and emotion. Hilarious and heartfelt, the show took the
opening night crowd from confusion (what does the title mean?) to glee to sighs
of pain, empathy, and understanding. The
show is, above all else, wickedly smart and painfully honest. It gives voice to the weird things that might
pass through so many of our minds, but that we rarely speak aloud. “Lungs” will especially resonate with anyone
over-educated who harbors a guilty liberal conscience regarding the environment
– which makes the Boston area a good town for its production!
Macmillan’s witty dialogue – or, often, contrasting (and
sometimes overlapping) monologues – is accompanied by some terrific acting. It seems as if the parts were written for
these two actors, especially Liz Hayes as W.
Both are New Rep veterans, having appeared (and distinguished
themselves) in recent shows, including “The Kite Runner” (for Nael Nacer) and “Collected
Stories” (for Hayes). I had seen and
liked them in both of these previously, but thought that this new production
showcases their talents in surprising and unique ways.
“Lungs” is directed with aplomb by Bridget O’Leary, who
keeps the pace at a near-dizzying level, and whose sense of humor is evident
throughout. Kudos also to the set designer,
whose hands were mostly tied by the playwright’s directive that there be no
set! You’ll just have to see the show to
see how the clever Jen Rock got around this proscription. And I wholeheartedly recommend that you do!
~ Shauna Shames, New Rep Reviewer
