The play “The Roommate,” which features a Golden Globe winner alongside Patti LuPone in Jen Silverman’s story about two women longing for change and connection in their twilight years. The comedy, which opened at the Booth Theatre, showcases a sweet-as-pie divorcee named Sharon, played by the Golden Globe winner, who welcomes a surly new renter, Robyn (LuPone), into her Iowa abode. The play is less “The Odd Couple” and more of a wholesome “Breaking Bad” as it explores the unlikely friendship and the twists and turns that follow.
The character of Sharon, played by the Golden Globe winner, is enchanting and endearing. The actor brings out the wispy, wild-eyed nature of Sharon and perfectly embodies her character as she goes through a whirlwind of events in the play. From clumsily lugging a rifle across the kitchen to adopting a hilariously bad French accent, the performance is a testament to the actor’s comedic prowess. Not only does she charm the audience but she also effectively portrays Sharon’s quiet loneliness and desperation, especially in her voicemails to her grown son, voiced by journalist Ronan Farrow.
On the other hand, Patti LuPone’s portrayal of Robyn, a punky, granola lesbian running from her past, felt somewhat disconnected. While LuPone is undeniably watchable and delivers the play’s sharpest one-liners with ease, Robyn’s journey from abrasive housemate to a more concerned and moral character is somewhat muddled. It’s evident that LuPone, usually a legend on stage, seemed somewhat mismatched with the underwritten part of Robyn, leaving the audience wanting more from her performance.
Overall, “The Roommate” is directed with serviceable finesse by Jack O’Brien at the Booth Theatre. The set design by Bob Crowley, while static, offers a backdrop for the unfolding narrative, and David Yazbek’s incidental music brings mischief and verve to the production. Ultimately, the play provides the privilege of witnessing icons like Farrow and LuPone on stage, even if their characters seem somewhat mismatched.
