Creating and then embodying an alter ego can be the most liberating experience in the world. In the armor of another personality, one can be bold, daring, and even a bit of a jerk without fear of damaging the true self.
For shy, awkward Philip Brugglestein, it’s debatable whether his alter ego – loud, witty Brit Harry Clarke – is Philip’s salvation or the devil on his shoulder.
Two Crows Theater Company presents “Harry Clarke,” directed by Marcus Truschinski at Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret through Sunday, January 26. For a winter show held in a summer towna packed house on opening night is testament to the play’s appeal. For those living in central Madison, the show is well worth an hour’s drive.
Written by Anglo-American playwright David Cale in 2017, “Harry Clarke” tells the story of a Midwesterner (Philip) who reinvents himself as a British libertine (Harry). In an attempt to move past his past, Harry desperately seeks thrills: stalking random people on the streets of New York, having nightcaps with strangers in Tribeca, pretending to be best friends with famous singers, literally getting kicked out of cafes, having secret sex. with three members of the same family. Things escalate as the play progresses.
Nate Burger performs all roles in “Harry Clarke,” presented by Two Crows Theater at Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret in Spring Green.
The show has 19 characters, all played by a single actor using three stage props. Two chairs and a log bench transform into luxurious yachts, palatial lofts, moody gay bars and broken homes. Two Crows’ Nate Burger, dressed in beige, button-down pants, blends into the stage background as the boring Philip. But it doesn’t take long for Burger to come to life, as he perfectly delivers 80 minutes of one of the craziest stories you’ll ever hear.
With drinks in hand – preferably dirty martinis for those who really want to delve into the production – the audience at this play is treated like a group of friends at a party, leaning in to drink every word recited by a fantastically lively Burger. (In truth, the actor could give the original play’s star, Billy Crudup, a run for his money.)
As Harry, Burger shares ridiculous scenarios in which he catches flying underpants in mid-flight, poses as a psychic, and offers 60-year-old women blowjobs. But behind every humorous anecdote lies something more tormenting beneath the surface.
Nate Burger stars as Philip and his alter ego, Harry, in “Harry Clarke” with Two Crows Theater.
The play’s strengths are embedded in moments that reveal Philip’s childhood trauma and the guilt and anger surrounding his father’s gruesome death. His mother dies of cancer and Philip falls in love with a talented man who cannot kick his drug addiction and often ends up kicking Philip instead.
“Harry Clarke” is a thriller, a dark comedy, a romance and a drama, all rolled into one explosive, uncontrollable package. Sound designer Ben Feiner perfectly synchronizes each musical track and sound effect, while lighting designer Lea Branyan sets Harry and Philip apart with crisp, distinct lighting changes. As a director, Truschinski’s careful timing and clear vision make this play absolutely singable. In some cases, literally.
“Harry Clarke” reflects the liberating nature of acting and the complex nature of identity, but also the cages we create for ourselves when we refuse to face the terrors we cannot overcome. As Truschinski writes in his director’s note, “Whatever we are forced to keep inside will eventually come out.” Either way.
Lindsay Christians is an editor for the Cap Times. Lindsay oversees the newsroom’s coverage of food, arts and culture in the Madison area. Send story ideas and tips to Lindsay at lchristians@captimes.com.
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