Fool for Love is a legacy revival at Magic Theatre. It first premiered there in 1983 with Ed Harris and Kathy Baker in the lead roles. This play is more than worthy of a revisit. It’s a timeless story of love and betrayal. Eddie meets May at a motel after having not seen each other for quite a while. She wants him to leave, but at the same time she can’t bear to see him go. The history of their relationship is revealed as they struggle to figure out their future.
Jessi Campbell’s performance of May is incredible. It’s a roller coaster of a ride for her character and she is literally brought to tears by the end of the play. She makes the struggle of the relationship so real that the audience can feel her pain.
Andrew Pastides as Eddie is a force. He feeds off Campbell and his eyes are welling up by the end of the show as well. His frustration of not knowing what May wants is laid bare and makes him very emotional.
Rod Gnapp as The Old Man is a powerful presence. His role may be a supporting one, but every word he says is meaningful. His strong character is felt throughout the play, even when he isn’t speaking.
Patrick Russell plays Martin perfectly. He is thrown into this crazy situation with very little idea what is happening. He represents the audience searching for answers.
All of the actors come out to discuss the play afterwards. It was a true delight to see their take on the story and to see how much their work moves them.
The light and the sound design are excellent. The audience can feel the cars outside as they pull up with their headlights on and engine roaring and then they hear the squeal of the tires when they pull away. It’s truly a fantastic production all around and a must-see.
Quinn Delaney
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