Frankie and Johnny In the Clair De Lune

Synopsis

After one too many hurtful relationships, the last thing that waitress Frankie wants is a new man. Yet here she is, lying next to Johnny, a compulsive talker and hopeless romantic, listening to Bach and Debussy on the radio and the sound of a city that never sleeps. Two very normal, very real people sparring, spatting and sparkling their way through all the one hundred and one reasons why people never fall in love. Steeped in 1980's America, and made famous by Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer's film performances, Tony award-winning playwright Terrence McNally's play is a modern classic of bittersweet laughter and love.

Our Review:

15 February 2010

If music be the food of love, then Middle Ground’s tour of Frankie & Johnny has consumed Debussy’s haunting movement and produced an engaging, witty play that’s performances will have you laughing and crying throughout.

Terrence McNally’s two-act play sets the scene with two forty-something restaurant workers, Frankie (Kelly McGillis of Top Gun fame) and Johnny (Rolf Saxon), spending the night in Frankie’s New York apartment after their first date. Post coitus, Johnny keenly discusses their future to a reluctant Frankie, as both reveal a string of coincidences and events that further convinces Johnny of their destined connection. McNally’s sharp comebacks and awkward voyeuristic humour shine as the comic relief to what is ultimately a sad tale of loneliness.

Both performers excel at bringing the unlikely lovers to life in believably quirky style. It is as easy to see Frankie’s past insecurities as it is Johnny’s charisma and drive to become someone better. It i...

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