Soup in the Second Act

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Barry Primus’ Soup in the Second Act is described in press materials as a “dramatic comedy” but it’s more drama than comedy. The humor comes from old-fashioned actor jokes such as this one: “Two actors bump into each other on Times Square. ‘God, where have you been? I haven’t seen you in such a long time.’ ‘I’m doing a one man play all over the country.’ So the other says,  ‘That’s great. That’s great. Anything in it for me?'” If you like that sort of thing, you’ll enjoy Soup in the Second Act (which is itself the punchline for another actor joke).

The story of the play is that a group of actors, all of whom have had good careers on stage and screen (one has a Tony, another an Olivier), are doing a play that is touring the provinces. (Where specifically is not quite clear but turns out to be Syracuse.) Audiences are not coming; the actors say that their contract specifies that there must be more audience members than actors, which seems fair. The put upon stage manager, Derrick (Connor Stewart) insists that there were five when the show started but one left. Barbara (Dey Young) says that doesn’t matter and besides, she counted four. Derrick says there was a short guy in the corner.

There is much drama to be had – everyone is in love with Warren (Kip Gilman), and he and Barbara eventually wind up in bed together. Derrick is sent out in the freezing cold to get donuts and coffee and falls into a lake. Gavin’s (Equiano Mosieri) dog is dying. There is a group of schoolchildren that will hopefully make it in time to see the show.

Austin (Paul Coates) plays piano and Rene (Lisa Passero) sings songs by Gershwin, Jerome Kern and Galt MacDermot. There are also the stagehands, who break down the set and then have to put it back, played by Bill Waters and Sam Wiek.

The set by Mark Marcante nicely evokes a road company set, and the lighting by Alexander Bartenieff helps capture the mood. Julie Arenal’s choreography in the musical numbers is well done.

Barry Primus, the author and director, has had a long career as an actor, with over 100 IMDb credits to his name. Soup in the Second Act is a love letter to actors and to the theater.

Soup in the Second Act (through October 20, 2024)

Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue, in Manhattan

For tickets, visit http://www.theaterforthenewcity.net

Running time: two hours including with one intermission

A love letter to actors and to the theater. If you like actor jokes, you’ll enjoy it.