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Written by Andra Coberly
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Thursday, 13 March 2008 |
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Very few people will walk out of "Nickel and Dimed," now being performed by OpenStage Theatre & Co., completely blown away by its message.
The moral of the story, so to speak, is more of a way of life for many. It’s the sad truth of this economy, of downsizing and restructuring, of out-sourcing and mass layoffs. As it becomes harder and harder for the poor to find jobs that pay the rent and the bills and as health-care coverage becomes more and more of a luxury, "Nickel and Dimed" will unfortunately become less and less shocking—it’s simply status quo. It’s just a reminder for those who went to college and found a career in an industry that has fared well over the years that life is not so easy for those on the other side of the tracks.
That’s not saying that OpenStage’s production of "Nickel and Dimed," written by Joan Holden and based on Barbara Ehrenreich’s bestselling novel "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America," is not worth seeing. "Nickel and Dimed" is all about the people: Without the collection of quirky yet realistic characters and an adaptable ensemble cast, the story would simply glorify the educated essayist who decides to slum it for a few weeks, knowing that when the going gets tough, she has credit cards and a warm, safe bed to which she will eventually return.
"Nickel and Dimed" relies on its ensemble cast, wearing the all-too familiar white shirt and black pants uniform, to help give depth and humanity to Ehrenreich’s investigation into the lives of the under-paid, over-worked and unhappy. Nicole Garawonski’s performance as Barbara contributes a strong voice and humor that becomes the backbone to the story.
Much like Ehrenreich’s book, the theatrical production of "Nickel and Dimed" follows a writer as she takes jobs as a waitress, house cleaner and Mall-Mart employee. Traveling the country and picking up work in several different industries, working in a convalescent home and cleaning motel rooms, Ehrenreich soon learns of the horrors of living in a nickel-and-dimed world. It’s not just the hard work, the rude customers, the chemicals and the used condoms that she must face; it’s the anxiety of looking for an affordable place to live, of trying to pay for rent or food, of not being able to afford a doctor or child care.
Barbara is not the hero of the story, but a narrator who looks the audience straight on and tells them how it is. Holden and director R. Todd Hoven work hard to bring the audience into the production—to make it clear that this story is not unique to these locations. The restaurant could be the one that you eat lunch at every week and the characters could be those who clean up after your messes or sell you low-priced wares. Hovering above the stage, a little electronic sign posts wages, rents and other little messages. Characters often speak directly to the audience, and actor and musician Matt Campbell becomes a modern troubadour, singing folksy, philosophical ballads. Other musicians play their sad songs during set changes, smoothing out the transitions and adding to the play’s downtrodden sensibility.
But the personalities make the show entertaining and vibrant. Garawonski’s Barbara is cynical and sarcastic, as a feminist, socialist essayist should be. Beyond the humor and snarkiness, there is an innocence and truth within Garawonski’s performance, something that’s refreshing and comfortable.
But the strong cast brings Ehrenreich’s research alive: with Brian Hughes playing a pinpoint middle manager, Jessica Baron shinning as the God-saved Mall-Mart worker, and Tomily Munir and J. Brooke McQueen playing their characters with attitude and spark. Campbell is at his best on the guitar with his signature twang, and he steals the Mall-Mart scenes with his portrayal of the creepy customer, who doesn’t even need to speak a word.
And while OpenStage’s "Nickel and Dimed" isn’t a shocking glimpse into poverty, it’s a good reminder that the working poor are working hard. If nothing else, it may inspire some people to tip a little extra and be a little kinder.
To Go:
“Nickel and Dimed”
• Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St.
• Fridays and Saturdays through March 22
• Sunday, March 16
• Thursday, March 20
• Box Office: 221-6730
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