REVIEW: Broadway’s ‘Heisenberg’ explores love among two lonely people

NEW YORK — Heisenberg, the new play by Simon Stephens, follows two characters who find themselves in an unlikely relationship after a chance encounter in London. There’s Alex Priest (Denis Arndt), a 75-year-old butcher, and Georgie Burns (Mary-Louise Parker), a mother estranged from her son and prone to lying about her life.

Georgie is definitely the one who instigates the initial conversation between the two; however, eventually Alex finds Georgie’s company fulfilling. Their conversations evolve into dating, and they begin disclosing more about their backgrounds, their sense of loss and their thoughts on the future.

Alex finds out about Georgie’s son, and Georgie finds out about Alex’s long lost love. Together they address their collective need to be connected with someone else in the world. Despite their age difference, they decide to give it a go and see where the coupling takes them.

Stephens, best known for his adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, has the 80-minute drama play out on a bare-bones set with two simple chairs and two simple tables. In fact, audience members are allowed to purchase tickets for on-stage seating at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway. This gives the two-hander a wonderful sense of earned intimacy.

Much of that intimacy is due to director Mark Brokaw (Broadway’s Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella and The Lyons). He is able to capture beautifully realized performances from his two stars and keeps the action rolling along from scene to scene. Without the need to change sets or worry about the typical theatrical trappings, Brokaw is able to focus in on Stephens’ words and let his actors interpret to their will.

And interpret they do.

Louise-Parker is giving a strong performance in a difficult role. Georgie is outgoing, talkative and drives the relationship into existence. Much of Alex’s reactions are silent and contemplative; not so for Georgie. She’s a lightning bolt who will laugh and cry in the same sentence. Louise-Parker definitely earns laughs in the performance but is able to elicit some true dramatic feelings of heartbreak and loss, especially when the character talks about her son.

Arndt plays the quieter of the two characters, but he blossoms in the role as this kindly butcher who enjoys long walks and simple living. His mannerisms, gestures and line reading perfectly fit his character of a man who has worked a lifetime to find a routine he enjoys. Even though it seems implausible that he and Georgie would find romance, the performances of both Arndt and Louise-Parker make the dating drama not only believable but poignant.

Heisenberg is a strong play in the Broadway season, one that examines relationships and love through the fine focus of two people looking for something more in life.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Heisenberg is currently playing at the Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway. Written by Simon Stephens. Directed by Mark Brokaw. Starring Denis Arndt and Mary-Louise Parker. Running time: 80 minutes Rating: Click here for more information.