Does a straight comedy about straight coupling sound like a cliché to you? Well, rest assured, Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy is nothing of the sort. Although it is packed deliberately and wittily with what seems every cliché under the sun, Greg Kalleres’ lighthearted, quip-rich script is a howlingly funny and wholly fresh take on the vicissitudes of love and our curious attraction to hackneyed language.
The DC premiere production, now on stage at Keegan Theatre, is a sheer delight, starting off with a set design by Josh Sticklin that encompasses at least 10 different playing areas — multiple bars, two bedrooms, an office, a living room — in each of which a separate scene will unfold. The anticipation engendered by this storybook set becomes its own savored moment in time.
The cast is superb. They each have an uncanny grasp of what’s funny and what’s the moment-to-moment emotional truth. Irene Hamilton, mesmerizing as Lily, has hysterical episodes of meltdown. Drew Sharpe as Jacob nails the callow and horny teen. Justin Von Stein as Martin stays admirably stalwart. Ryan Sellers, who shines as Owen, conveys not-quite-self-aware even as he remains credibly guileless. Dominique Gray appearing briefly as Dave listened well. And Emily Erickson as Rebecca navigates her tricky character arc with aplomb.
With its moving messages about love and amusing motif of clichés, Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy is a sure bet and you can bank on it. The cast’s combined comic timing and the script’s nonsop wit propel the momentum of this modern straight comedy of manners like nobody’s business.
