Sore Throats

Sore Throats
Reviewed by Nicholas Linnehan

What can be said about a play called Sore Throats? A lot. Howard Brenton paints a dark, funny, and scary portrait in his piece dealing with a couple’s divorce and search for life-long fulfillment. Although wordy and awkward at times, Brenton manages to raise many complex issues with ironic humor. This play can be boiled down to blown up into one word: interesting.

The cast of three handles Brenton’s didactics as best as they can. Laila Robins (Judy) does a good job of handling the preachy language and manages to create a compelling character; one who we end up empathizing greatly with. Meredith Zinner (Sally) provides the much-needed comedy in this absurd world where money plays more than it should. Bill Camp (Jack) seems forced and uncomfortable on stage. His pauses are filled with strange silences and he seems to detach from his portrayal as a deeply unhappy middle-aged man. The scenes between Robins and Zinner are filled with chemistry and work the best.

For all that can be said about this play, one must see the climatic moment to appreciate Brenton’s script. No amount of gargling with salt water can prepare you for the
ending of Sore Throats.