Aubrey Plaza Takes the Stage: A Look at Ethan Coen's "Let's Love!"
Ethan Coen's Let's Love!, currently playing at the Atlantic Theater Company, is generating buzz, and not just because it stars the ever-intriguing Aubrey Plaza. This collection of one-act plays, directed by Neil Pepe, promises a journey into the complexities of love, but it seems audiences are finding something quite different.
The title, with its enthusiastic exclamation point, suggests a celebration of romance. However, the plays themselves delve into the messier, more fractured aspects of human connection. Think broken relationships, simmering resentments, and the distinct absence of fairytale endings. Is it ironic? Perhaps. But it certainly sets an unexpected tone.
Adding to the experience is Nellie McKay, who serenades the audience between acts with original songs about love. These sweet and softly focused tunes provide a striking contrast to the often-dreary scenes unfolding on stage. It's a unique touch that underscores the play's central theme: the elusive nature of love itself.
Aubrey Plaza's Intense Performance
One of the main draws of Let's Love! is undoubtedly Aubrey Plaza. In "Dark Eyes," the second playlet, Plaza embodies Susan, a woman consumed by fury and seeking revenge on her ex-partner. This role allows Plaza to unleash her full range of talents, delivering a performance filled with shouting, swearing, and biting insults. It's a raw and compelling portrayal of a woman grappling with intense emotions.
The play's set design, reminiscent of a bedroom farce, adds another layer of intrigue. However, the emotional connections between the characters often feel strained, making it difficult to fully invest in their stories. Chris Bauer's portrayal of the "tough guy," particularly his budding friendship with the man he's hired to injure, offers a brief moment of genuine connection and unexpected humor.
A Collection of Disconnected Stories
The remaining playlets, "The Broad at the Bar" and "Let's Love," explore quieter, more subtle themes. "The Broad at the Bar" delves into the unspoken thoughts and desires of two strangers meeting at a bar. "Let's Love" follows a couple as they navigate the early stages of dating and cohabitation. While these stories offer glimpses of potential love, they are ultimately overshadowed by the anger and resentment that permeate "Dark Eyes."
Ultimately, Let's Love! presents a fragmented and often unsettling view of relationships. While Aubrey Plaza delivers a powerful performance, the play struggles to offer a cohesive or illuminating exploration of love itself. Instead, it leaves audiences contemplating the darker aspects of human connection and the enduring impact of anger and resentment.
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