Ever get tired of those darling romance stories that start with a “meet cute” moment and stay precious even when the attractive couple has disagreements? The Other Day provides a welcome dose of honesty and realism to the relationship story genre.
Mark and Santo bump into each other at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting and develop a passionate connection despite major personality differences. Mark (Matthew Williamson) is more conventional, neat, and insecure, while Santo (Jase Parker) is more outspoken, seductive, and messy. Not surprisingly, their bond is passionate but tumultuous.
Once they move in together we meet Mark’s work colleague and personal friend Dina (Danielle Hutchison). She has her own relationship problems with her conventional and controlling off-stage husband Doug.
The Other Day is written by Mark Jason Williams, the author of the well-received Recovery presented in the 2013 Fringe Festival. His writing is often honest and powerful, although he takes on a lot in a story that is correctly advertised as involving “love, addiction, insecurity, loss and redemption.”
The Other Day
by Mark Jason Williams
80 minutes
at The Shop – Fort Fringe
607 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
Details and tickets
The play does benefit from a pair of more effective supporting performances. The talented Hutchison’s work as Dina is natural yet convincing. The same is true for Dash King who appears later in the play as Steven, the fourth and final character who helps the production rally towards an emotionally effective conclusion.
The Other Day is a relationship play for adults. If Fringe put you in the mood for drama, you might find The Other Day a satisfying choice.
Take me to the DCTS 2014 Capital Fringe Guide
Written by Mark Jason Williams
Directed by Michael R. Burgtorf
Presented by Loretta Michael Productions
Reviewed by Steven McKnight
Running time: 80 minutes
Rating of the show: 3
This was a really thought-provoking play. Particularly interesting was the role of Steven, who at once provides an ending and a beginning to the story, and was performed very well by Dash King.