Duet for Solo Voice

DUET FOR SOLO VOICE by David Scott Milton gives us a splash of Absurdist Theatre from 1970 in which a schizophrenic night manager of a hotel deals with imaginary dangers while the hotel residents, moan, howl and screw in the background while he dances to their rhythms. There is quite a bit of humor in this display of paranoia, all well directed and staged by Stanley Allan Sherman. It’s a zany voyage down the river of paranoia--short psychotic episodes in which the actor, Jonathan Slaff, splits into two exaggerated characters--an American clerk and a Russian spy. Back then the Soviets were mockable, and we get double paranoia as Slaff, in a vigorous performance, pursues himself, quickly changing costume and nose. He is excellent in both roles, and finally ends up in a fight with himself playing both combatants that is a fun climax to the show. Set by Mark Marcante, lighting by Alexander Bartenieff and costumes by Susan Lasanta Gittens are all fine contributions to the proceedings. At Theatre for the New City on 1st Ave. and 10th St.