"Two to the Head" is described as a "modern Cain and Abel tale," and that is exactly what it is. It is a tale of two competing brothers that takes place in a modern auto garage in Buffalo. Written by Darryl Schneider and directed by Scott Behrend - two Buffalo area natives - the play definitely has a local flavor.
The play begins as just another day at work for three lifelong friends. Brothers Mark (David Rzeszutek) and Tom DiCarlo (David Avery) share a workspace with Finch (Dee Lamonte Perry), an old and wise intermediary who has become a third brother by working in the garage with the boys and their late father for the last 20 years. Younger brother Mark has just become the new owner of the family business after the recent death of the boys' father. This has created tension and jealousy between Mark and Tom.
Simultaneously, there is something inappropriate going on between Mark's wife, Anne (Susanna Breese) and Tom, as the eight-year marriage between Anne and Mark is suffering due to Mark's obsession with his work. Tom, on the other hand, is carefree and reckless, living a seemingly simple life.
Jealousy works both ways between Mark, the uptight brother, who works too hard to enjoy life, and a laid-back Tom who is too inept to be able to be as successful in business as Mark.
As the play develops, the two brothers and Anne, who had a relationship with Tom before her marriage to Mark, hash out the past and fight over their father's will, which has apparently been misplaced.
Spliced into the play are several references to Buffalo, such as Finch discussing the Bills' new quarterback and Tom's desire to eat at Casa Di Pizza. But there's more to it than that. The play really does feel set in the city of Buffalo, and the characters all feel like Buffalo natives. All four actors have worked in this city before and demonstrate an acute knowledge of the accents and mannerisms of the area.
In addition to the authenticity of the play, the story is also genuinely interesting with plenty of twists and turns throughout. While none of it feels truly shocking, it has that classic feel to it, like a modern retelling of a Shakespeare drama. Many movies don't attempt to end their tales on a low note like is so often done on the stage.
The performances of the actors was exemplary, especially that of Perry, who turned in an absolutely flawless portrayal of an honest, loyal and hard-working old man whose only desire is to see peace. During the climax, where Mark and Tom are fighting each other ruthlessly, and the dialogue uncovers a crucial secret, Finch shows great emotional depth.
The theater itself was something that takes some getting used to. The new Phoenix Theatre is located off of Elmwood, two bocks from Chippewa in an interesting neighborhood. The theater itself looks like a house from the outside. Inside, it is a very small but comfortable place.
The small capacity means that there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Given that Thursday nights are free to college students, start at 8 p.m. and are only a few blocks from the bars, it's an absolutely perfect way to start off the night.
"Two to the Head" will continue its free Thursday performances provided by Road Less Traveled Productions through May 12.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
