Serenading Louie is a very accessible play examining relationships at that moment of self introspection when you compare the reality of life with the dreams and aspirations of your youth. With a small cast and “front-room” set, the audience is pulled irresistibly into the intimate home life of two American couples in the early 1970s. The director, Richard Curtis, has resisted the temptation to re-set the play in a contemporary setting which is a wise decision. The characters are of their time, and therefore sit comfortably among the period furniture and cultural references.
The essence of the play remains as relevant for 2010 as it was when written in 1970 however. Relationships are timeless, whether it’s the long established friendships dating back to time in college or marriages that, after several years, have lost their way. It is these relationships, and the communication, or lack of, at the heart of them that come sharply under the audience’s focus. The process of soul searching is punctuated by moments of light and very quick humour, which bring a necessary connection with the audience and make the characters seem wholly human.
The four characters are, at heart, unhappy. Rather than merely bemoaning their lot, however, for much of the time they appear to be grappling with the question of why. The audience will probably have far more success in understanding this question then they do, which is what makes the experience so moving and thought-provoking. In observing their failures you gain insight into some of the most fundamental questions behind personal happiness and achievement.
The acting is fully convincing throughout. This is a very experienced and strong cast who will be familiar to many. Geraldine Somerville, who plays Mary, has appeared as Lilly Potter in four Harry Potter films so far and also starred alongside Robbie Coltrane in “Cracker” as DS Penhaligon. Her on- stage husband, Jason O’Mara starred as 1st Lt Thomas Meehan in “Band of Brothers” and in “Life on Mars”.
Jason Butler Harner is an American actor for whom Serenading Louie is his UK debut. His TV credits include “The Good Wife” and “Law & Order” and his exasperation with wife Gabrielle (Charlotte Emmerson - Foyle’s War, Casualty 1909), is masterfully conveyed with the odd sigh and some quite awkward silences.
Serenading Louie is a solidly entertaining piece of drama. It won’t leave you feeling elated – the play is not sugar-coated – but it does draw you into the lives of four people at a critical point. It makes you consider some important questions and it will almost certainly move you with its conclusion.
