“The Lyons”
a Dysfunctional Family for the Ages
By Skip Sheffield
So you think you are from a dysfunctional family? Go see
“The Lyons” presented by the Women’s Theatre Project through Dec. 22 at the
Willow Theatre of Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, and you may feel better about
your own situation.
“The Lyons,”
written by Nicky Silver, puts the “diss” in dysfunctional.
Father Ben Lyons (Kevin Reilly) is on his deathbed, dying
from cancer. Ben is not filled with gratitude for a long, fulfilling life. His
attitude is summed up by the “F word” he uses constantly.
Mom Rita Lyons (Jessica K. Peterson) is not much better. In
fact she is worse: the archetypical overbearing, suffocating, selfish and
unfeeling Jewish mother. Jessica K. Peterson’s bleakly hilarious rendition of
the ultimate bad mom is the best thing about this show. We won’t spoil any
surprises, because Rita regularly surprises us. Just when you think she
couldn’t possibly be more callous and cruel, she tops herself.
Then there are the “kids.” Son Curtis (Matthew Korinko) is a
writer of short stories that no one wants to read. He is an insecure gay guy
with a boyfriend named Peter, but Peter is far from ideal. We find out how far
in Act Two, which is almost like a different mini-play.
Daughter Lisa (Jacqueline Lagy) has more common problems.
Her former husband was physically abusive, yet she continues to return for
more. Lisa is a recovering alcoholic, but soon to backslide. Dad blames Lisa’s
alcoholism on her lousy choice of a partner. Lisa points out they met at an
A.A. meeting. It’s a funny line. Ha-ha.
The laughs are bitter and far between.
A tart-tongued nurse (Carolyn Johnson) gets in some good
zingers in Act Two. For all his foul-mouthed negativity, dad is a crusty cuss
who speaks his mind regardless of consequences, prompting shock-value kind of gasps
and chuckles. Clay Cartland brings some melodramatic kick to Act Two as an
actor trying to be a real estate agent.
“The Lyons”
was a 2012 Broadway debut for playwright Nicky Silver, who specializes in
caustic wit. It’s the kind of play some New Yorkers love, and since we have our
share of transplanted New Yorkers, it may well find an audience at Willow
Theatre. Just be forewarned this is not “I Remember Mama” or “Father Knows Best.”
This is family functioning as warfare.
Tickets are $25. Shows are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2
p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 561-347-3948 or go to www.thewomenstheatreproject.com.
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