Quick Hit Theater Review: The Outgoing Tide

Pete Strauss and Michael Learned. Photo: Matt Urban

The Outgoing Tide
By Bruce Graham
Directed by Bud Martin
59 E 59 Theaters
Presented by the Delaware Theatre Company
Through Dec. 16

What's it about?
Gunner (Peter Strauss) relaxes while fishing off the dock at his summer cottage on Chesapeake Bay and talking with a young man, until his wife, Peg (Michael Learned) has to remind him that the young man is their son, Jack (Ian Lithgow). Gunner is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and as it becomes more apparent that his mind is slipping, he decides to decide his own fate in a way that will provide for his family. While the illness is at the center of the plot, the real action takes place in the family dynamics as Peg and Gunner both use their son, who is concerned with his own impending divorce, as a means to communicate with each other. Current dialogue is nicely interrupted by memory sequences that allow a glimpse into earlier phases of the family's relationships.

Highlights/Lowlights:
I was forced to leave the performance early to catch the last PATH train (still not running late service after Hurricane Sandy) so can't really give accurate review of the show, but I will tell you that I very much was enjoying the play (there is a lot of humor, which makes the suject less depressing), the performances and the direction before leaving. Strauss in particular  was quite engaging.

More information:
This is a limited engagement through Dec, 16 in Theater A at 59 East 59th St., NYC. Performances are Tuesday-Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 and 8 pm and Sunday at 3 and 7 pm. Tickets are $60: (212)-279-4200; www.59e59.org.

Christians might also like to know:
-- God's name taken in vain
-- Language
* Last part of show not seen