Merry Go Round

By: Wendy Kesselman

Narrated by: Mary Stuart Masterson, Steven Weber

Michael and Anna, best friends and next door neighbors during childhood, accidentally meet again as adults. In an all-white room, two people reenact their childhood fears, fantasies and mutual love as a chilling secret is revealed. Featuring Mary Stuart Masterson and Steven Weber.

©2010 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2010 L.A. Theatre Works

Solid performances but a confusing plot

The synopsis provided by the publisher does a fair job of laying out the short play presented here. The performances as well are quite moving and believable. What earned this title a three for me was the rapid fire plot with very very little exposition/explanation aside from, again, what's already in the synopsis and while there is a sinister revelation there are several smaller disturbing revelations along the way all of which pepper the listener with assumptions, clues, and surprises. Which is all well and good but it all moves along so quickly there is little time to absorb or fully appreciate each event or revelation. Further there is so little backstory or characterization that empathy and comprehension are a struggle. If you're a fan of Steven Weber or Mary Stuart Masterson you'll likely get a kick out this short but don't waste a credit on it.