Timeless Tryst: A Captivating Exploration of "Same Time, Next Year"

In the realm of romantic comedies, "Same Time, Next Year" by Bernard Slade has long been considered a classic. However, the recent Compass Rose Theater production that opened on October 18 has taken a more melodramatic approach, while still retaining the play's signature humor. Despite the dated dialogue and gender roles, the production has been praised for its ability to capture the essence of love and adultery that made the original play a Broadway sensation in 1975.

A Timeless Tale of Forbidden Love and Compromise

The Forbidden Rendezvous

The plot of "Same Time, Next Year" revolves around the clandestine annual meetings of George and Doris, a man and woman who, despite being married to other people, engage in a secret affair over the course of 24 years. To maintain the illusion, Doris tells her spouse that she is attending a religious retreat with the nuns, while George claims to be on a business trip. This intricate web of deception and secrecy sets the stage for a captivating exploration of the characters' motivations, desires, and the consequences of their actions.

Evolving Roles and Perspectives

As the years pass, the characters' roles and perspectives shift, with each taking turns as the hero or the villain. In a scene set in 1965, George, portrayed by Omar A. Said, is the embodiment of the establishment, while Doris, played by Ann Marie Taglavore, is a free-spirited liberal who has dropped out of high school and is now a student at UC Berkeley. Their political differences lead to a heated exchange, with Doris accusing George of being a "fascist" for voting for Goldwater, who had threatened to use nuclear weapons in Vietnam. However, their dynamic changes when George reveals the tragic death of his son, Michael, in the Vietnam War, leading Doris to offer her condolences and comfort.

The Shifting Sands of Morality

By 1970, the roles have reversed, with Doris now the successful businesswoman and George the one seeking truth and self-awareness. This reversal highlights the complex and ever-changing nature of the characters' moral compasses, as they navigate the consequences of their choices and the impact on their personal lives. The production explores the darker, largely unexplored side of the story, delving into the impact of the characters' deception on their spouses and children.

Captivating Performances and Artistic Choices

The performances of Omar A. Said and Ann Marie Taglavore are central to the success of the production. Said's portrayal of George's transformation from a guilty, unconfident man to a self-aware, introspective individual is particularly noteworthy. Taglavore, a Maryland-bred, NYC-based actor, brings a depth and nuance to her portrayal of Doris, capturing the character's evolution from a free-spirited youth to a successful businesswoman.The production's artistic choices, such as the costume design by Susan Flynn and the set design by Said and director Gary Goodson, also contribute to the overall experience. While the costumes effectively capture the changing fashions over the decades, the set design, which remains largely unchanged throughout the 24-year span, raises questions about the characters' motivations for returning to the same motel room year after year.

Navigating the Complexities of Love and Adultery

Ultimately, "Same Time, Next Year" is a captivating exploration of the complexities of love, adultery, and the human condition. The Compass Rose Theater production, with its blend of comedy and drama, invites the audience to consider the moral implications of the characters' choices and the impact of their actions on themselves and those around them. The play's enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences, even as societal norms and attitudes evolve, making it a timeless testament to the power of human connection and the enduring nature of love.