Neil LaBute is among today's most critical, insightful, ironic and interesting observers of human frailties, neuroses, and bigotries. In "This Is How It Goes," his latest production at The Public Theater, those
expecting LaBute at his best will be disappointed. But exceptional performances by Jeffrey Wright and Amanda Peet along with a curious but effective performance by Ben Stiller provide audiences with an above average evening of loathsome behavior. Two lines sum up the primary
themes. Stiller, the narrator and participant in a strange love triangle, comments during his introduction: "You know what I'm saying… sort of." We sort of know the points LaBute is hoping to make about continuing bigotry in society; misplaced anger born from stereotypes; and
mutual loathing that permeates a marriage entered into for all the wrong reasons. The second exchange: "This really sucks; it's shit." "No, it's marriage." In just a few words, the play's permeating theme is voiced as Peet and Wright, enmeshed in an ill-conceived interracial marriage in
small town America, confront the reality of their life together. Wright is one of the finest actors on any stage or screen today, and he is as underutilized in "This Is How It Goes" as he is unfamiliar to most
audiences. His performance, nonetheless, is riveting. Peet is suddenly emerging as a major star, so her appearance, along with Stiller's, is drawing even more attention to The Public Theater's production. Peet's performance is understated but totally engaging and believable. Her
character, played flawlessly, is the spider who weaves a web but has a rock hurdle through it. She hangs onto the strands of her marriage and her life, finally letting go only to fall into another abyss. Stiller's nervous energy doesn't work quite as well on stage as on screen. His first New York
stage appearance in more than a decade is not a triumph, but is certainly noteworthy. Sharing a stage with Wright and Peet is no small task, especially since expectations for a big-time movie star are so high. Stiller does nothing to detract from the overall impact of LaBute's
effort, while not enhancing it either. LaBute's twisted and convulsive script keep the audience completely engaged and frequently confused, leaving us uncertain of the final outcome but certain in the message of racial overtones that pervade so many of our lives.
Jack Myers Entertainment Report's entertainment rating system is based on a maximum of five jacks and a minimum of zero jacks. 0 = awful; 1 = pretty bad; 2 = okay
but don't go out of your way to see it; 3 = reasonably good but not special; 4 = very good and worth paying
attention to; 5 = exceptional. Opinions are based on my own likes, dislikes and preferences.
