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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Later Life Also see Gil's review of Caroline, or Change
The story centers on Austin, a reserved man haunted by his cautious nature and the opportunities he has let slip away, and Ruth, a lively and free-spirited woman with numerous relationship issues he reconnects with at a Boston cocktail party many years after a fleeting romantic encounter they shared in their early 20s. Over the course of the evening, they reminisce, flirt, and reflect on their choices as they contemplate the lives they've led and what might still lie ahead. Around them swirl a series of eccentric party guests who add energy, absurdity, and comedic relief. The performances are strong. As Austin, David Sussman captures the quiet dignity and regret of a man who has spent his life playing it safe, while, as Ruth, Vicki Ronan brings a spark of vitality and openness that contrasts beautifully with Austin's somewhat reserved nature. Their chemistry feels genuine, and their scenes together are the quite affecting. They create three-dimensional characters that are delicate and full of unspoken longing. Tom Koelbel and Debra Rich, who portray all of the other guests, handle their numerous roles with impressive versatility and comedic skill using different accents, body language, and changing hair styles to depict the series of unique and humorous characters. However, as good as the cast is, the imbalance in the tone of Later Life is its biggest flaw. Gurney seems to want to explore both the absurdities of social gatherings, where a mix of strangers meet, and the deeper emotional truths of aging and regret, but the sudden shifts between the two occasionally pulled me out of the moment. Just as the conversation between Austin and Ruth grows intimate or revealing, another exaggerated character bursts in diverting the play's forward motion with broad humor that undercuts the more poignant story at the play's center and interrupts the audience from discovering more about Austin and Ruth. Still, the characters are all intriguing and there is a tenderness to this production that resonates. Mark Baris' beautiful set, Stacey Walston's atmospheric lighting, and understated direction by Shana Rebilas Bousard evoke an appropriate atmosphere of reflection and nostalgia, and when the play settles into its quieter moments, it touches on themes that are universal. While Later Life may not always balance its humor and heart perfectly, it offers a thoughtful and often touching study on the choices we make and the connections we sometimes rediscover too late. Later Life runs through November 12, 2025, at Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 East Cactus Road, Scottsdale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.TheStudioPHX.org or call 602-765-0120 Director: Shana Rebilas Bousard Cast: |
