By Walter Murphy . . .
At the risk of diminishing the importance and insights of Michael Tucker’s new comedy, may I open with an illustrative joke? Two fellows—one a tailor, the other a writer—are talking in the tailor’s shop when the tailor asks the writer: “Tell me a joke.” The writer responds with a full-throated story about a great tailor whose skills are second only to his ability to offer creative solutions to problems with the customer’s fit. After five minutes of animated discourse, the joke pays off with a big audience laugh. The tailor nods approvingly but in sharp contrast to the boisterous telling of the joke. Such is the relationship on display in A Tailor Near Me, which has just debuted at the New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) in Long Branch, NJ.
NJ Rep has for 25 years debuted only new plays and has had 148 world premieres to date. Its intimate setting—there are only seven rows—affords the audience an opportunity to see professionals perform up close. The terrific actors in this production, Richard Kind and James Pickens, Jr., have decades of talent that bring Michael Tucker’s thoughtful and excellent script to life. It is a rare treat to watch such talented actors this closely.
The one-act play finds a writer, Sam (Richard Kind), in a tailor shop near his home, asking for alterations. The tailor, Alfredo (James Pickens, Jr.), offers that besides alterations, perhaps what Sam needs is a new suit. Sam agrees. Sam’s friend, Robert, is dying and Sam knows he will be attending the funeral soon.
If clothes make the man, being fit for a new suit requires Sam to evaluate his beliefs, as Alfredo shares his life insights while measuring Sam. (Mr. Pickens seemed to have learned the art of tailoring for the role, and he masterfully sizes up Mr. Kind’s character for the new suit.) After many discussions and revelations, Alfredo finally says that to make a suit the tailor has to see the man inside. The new suit becomes a metaphor for a new Sam. The process of measuring Sam for his new suit, with thoughtful dialogue throughout, is the simple plot of the play.
While it may be a simple plot, it is, in fact, a highly effective way to reveal the shared concerns of the two men. While constructing the new suit—Alfredo is constantly measuring and adjusting the physical fit—the dialogue reveals shared concerns. Close in age, they talk about aging, disappointing fathers, art versus commercial artifice, appreciation of the women in their lives, loss of loved ones, and the frustration of not being able to communicate with loved ones. The script creates parallels in each character’s lives, but brilliantly shows how each man reacts to these challenges differently. As one would expect, there is humor throughout, but the strength of the play lies in what each character learns from the other.
Given the intimate size of the venue, the staging easily accommodates the multiple clothing changes Mr. Kind undergoes while first asking about pants alterations and then the multiple fittings needed for the new suit. The three scenes happen seamlessly (sorry, tailor humor). Given the experience and talent of the actors, it would be easy to diminish the role of the director (James Glossman). That would be a mistake. Mr. Glossman has created a thoroughly professional production in the heart of the Jersey Shore. Who knew?!
At approximately 90 minutes, A Tailor Near Me captures two veteran actors showing why they’ve had such lengthy and successful careers. The play has been extended through September 3. Take advantage of the opportunity to see superb actors working with a great script.
A Tailor Near Me. Through September 3 at The New Jersey Repertory Company (179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ). www.njrep.org
Photos: Andrea Phox
