Grounded for Life
Arthur Kopits Wings, currently being revived by Second Stage in a production starring Jan Maxwell, was originally written as a radio playand it shows. Particularly in director John Doyles barebones staging (again?), which focuses the attention on Maxwells vocal performance as stroke victim Emily Stilson.
For 70 minutes, we squirm awkwardly in our seats as Maxwell delivers Kopits nonsense dialogue with aplomb. The stroke robbed Emily of her memory of words and their meanings, see, so she carries on confidently while spouting made up words as if they were correct. Sometimes she makes total sense; sometimes her conviction almost convinces us that we just dont recognize the words shes using. All of which might be very interesting over the radio, but is just about unbearable to sit through.
Also making things awkward is Maxwells appearance. The play is set during an indeterminate time, but the title comes from Emilys former career as a wingwalker; she literally crawled out of airplanes to walk on their wings when she was younger, a popular phenomenon in the 20s. But Maxwell looks too youthful for the role (Constance Cummings originated the role, when she was nearing 70). The disconnect between Emilys memories of being out in the open air on a planethe only thing she can really rememberand her appearance adds just another confusing layer to an already knotty script.
Contrary to the impression that the production and I may give, Wings isnt actually a monologue by Maxwell; there are several supporting characters, including a series of doctors and fellow stroke victims, all in various stages of recovery. Only Emilys therapist has any substantial stage time, though, and unfortunately actress January LaVoy doesnt have much to do other than speak slowly, as if to a child, and prompt Emily to really, really listen to herself speak. That she does so without becoming syrupy is to both hers and Doyles credit.
Doyle has tried to keep things visually stimulating, mostly with a series of screens/mirrors and a color-saturated video projection during Emilys stroke, but theres not much to do with a show that is literally about a woman trying to remember how to talk. As I sat, watching Emily struggle for the word for tears and Maxwell giving her considerable all to keep us awake, all I could think was how much Id rather watch a play about actress Patricia Neal and her own stroke recovery, which involved a strict regimen masterminded by her husband Roald Dahl. At least those two characters would give the show a plotand an emotional connection.
Wings
Through Nov. 21, Second Stage Theatre, 305 W. 43rd St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-246-4422; $75.