Susan Granger’s review of “4000 Miles” (Westport Country Playhouse)
Social psychologists Merril Silverstein and Vern L. Bengston, among others, have studied the grandparent/grandchild relationship, a concept they call “intergenerational solidarity.” Now, Amy Hertzog’s play “4000 Miles” at the Westport Country Playhouse explores the ramifications of that bond.
It’s three in the morning when exhausted 21 year-old Leo (Clay Singer) unexpectedly shows up at his 91 year-old Grandmother Vera’s (Mia Dillon) apartment in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Riding a bicycle, he’s journeyed from the West Coast. He didn’t start the trip with the intention of visiting Grandma; instead, his intention was reconnecting with his girlfriend Becca (Lea DiMarchi), but that didn’t go well. So there he is – ringing Grandma’s doorbell.
After putting in her teeth and finding hearing aid, Vera shuttles sweaty, smelly Leo into the shower, settling him into a guest bedroom. A series of subsequent scenes chronicles the reconnection between feisty Vera and befuddled Leo as they begin to understand one another.
Vera is a widow who’s worried about losing some of her mental faculties, often dwelling on memories of the past, including her two marriages and strained relationship with her daughter, Leo’s estranged mother, who lives in Minneapolis.
Deeply distressed Leo has his own demons. When his epic, cross-country trek started, he was with his best friend, but only one of them made it to New York. Leo’s trying to deal with that loss, along with the end of his romantic relationship with Becca.
Through sharing experiences, they forge a plausibly tender friendship: “Another toke, Grandma?”
Sensitively directed by David Kennedy, the ensemble is superb. With subtle honesty, Mia Dillon delivers an intelligently crafted, authentically compelling performance, embodying a capable, opinionated woman grappling with the indignities of aging.
Oozing unaffected vulnerability, Clay Singer is charming and – in supporting roles – Lea DiMarchi is outspoken while Phoebe Holden is hilarious as Leo’s casual pickup. Kudos also to scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado, costumer Maiko Matsuhima and lighting designer Carolina Ortiz Herrera.
Running one hour, 45 minutes without intermission, “4000 Miles” is insightful, thought-provoking and definitely worth seeing at the Westport Country Playhouse through Sunday, September 4th.