The Roommate
by Jen Silverman
Directed by Rebekah Scallet
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis–Steve Woolf Studio Series
October 25, 2024
Kelley Weber, Nancy Bell
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The Rep’s Steve Woolf Studio Series is back in its familiar location with a production of Jen Silverman’s fascinating two-character dramedy The Roommate. Starting off as somewhat of an Odd Couple-type tale of two roommates with contrasting personalties, the story evolves into an examination of societal expectations, self-expression, and more. At the Rep, as directed by Rebekah Scallet, this is a superbly cast show featuring two excellent local performers, as well as featuring especially impressive production values.
The story is set in Iowa, in a modest, cozily decorated house owned by the somewhat socially awkward Sharon (Kelley Weber), who has recently gone through a divorce and has lived something of a sheltered life in the Midwest. Feeling lonely, Sharon has advertised for a roommate, who turns out to be Robyn (Nancy Bell), a more worldly-wise former denizen of the Bronx, New York, who gives the sense that she’s trying to start a new life in a completely new place. Sharon meets Robyn with a mixture of trepidation and excitement, as Robyn is so different from everyone else she knows–vegan, gay, city-raised and into growing “medicinal herbs”, while Sharon herself hasn’t experienced much outside of what’s been expected of her. As the two get to know one another, they form a friendship and it becomes clear that both have regrets and secrets, with their lives being changed in various ways that may or may not be healthy or legal.
This is a fascinating study of contrasting characters and their influence on one another, as well as exploring the effects–both positive and potentially negative–of one woman who has been used to a life with few attachments and restrictions suddenly coming into the life of someone who has spent her life being told “no” either directly or indirectly. The interplay between the characters is what makes the story, and the actors are fantastic, with Weber’s initially reticent but increasingly enthusiastic Sharon and Bell’s more experienced but secretive Robyn working especially well together, with strong chemistry and a believable growing bond as well as credible degree of tension. Both performers have strong presence, excellent comic timing (especially Weber), and impressive emotional range. These characters are the show, essentially, the performance make the show immensely engaging.
The world of these two characters is well-realized by means of Robert Mark Morgan’s stunningly realistic set. It seems like the audience is sharing the home with the roommates, adding a level of engagement to the already intriguing story. Lou Bird’s costumes suit the characters well, with both Sharon and Robyn having an array of outfits that reflect their personalities as the story develops. There’s also excellent work from lighting designer Jayson M. Lawshee and sound designer Kareem Deanes, bringing the small-town Iowa location and atmosphere to life.
The Roommate represents a welcome return for the Steve Woolf Studio Series at the Rep. It’s a story that covers a lot of issues, and will give audiences much to think and talk about in terms of relationships with new friends, parents and adult children, and the influence of “bolder” personalities on those who might not seem as bold. With two excellent starring performances and an impressive set, this is a show that’s well worth checking out.
Kelley Weber, Nancy Bell
Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting The Roommate as part of their Steve Woolf Studio Series until November 17, 2024
