Getting Confrontational

Villagers Theater records ‘Tape.’

By: Stuart Duncan
   Tape is less a play than a one-act (just 60 minutes) acting exercise. Written by Stephen Belber, it is perfectly suited to the black box space at The Villagers. It has been directed by Elaine Wallace and stunningly acted.
   The specific setting is a Motel 6 in Lansing, Mich. Vincent (Doug McLaughlin) is drinking beer and smoking pot while he waits for his high school chum, Jon, to show up. Jon, played by Curt Hampstead, has made something of himself in the 10 years since graduation; in fact his first film premieres the next day at a film festival in Lansing. That is why Vincent has traveled all the way from the West Coast, although, in truth, the relationship has suffered since a graduation-night event that Vincent fully intends to discuss.
   It seems that Jon made a "pass" at Vincent’s girlfriend that night; in fact the couple actually "coupled." Jon seems to have virtually forgotten the incident; Vincent cannot forget it. The two argue, even become physical, when there is a knock on the door and Amy herself (Devon Jordan) arrives, invited by Vincent. She is the most successful of the three, having become assistant district attorney of Lansing. Rather easily she shows her maturity and puts both boys in their respective places.
   That’s the tale and there really aren’t many surprises in it, but director Wallace has made it into fascinating, even exciting stuff. Mr. McLaughlin is a seething hunk of edgy nerve endings, twitching helplessly. Mr. Hampstead is a pitiable mass of apology, awash in self pity. And Ms. Jordan is a study in carefully calculated, confident self control. It’s only an hour, but you won’t feel gypped.
Tape continues at Villagers Theatre, 415 DeMott Lane, Somerset, through July 15. Performances: Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. Tickets cost $12; (732) 873-2710; www.villagerstheatre.com