THEATER REVIEW:Artful, human insight in ‘Sight Unseen’

Playwright Donald Margulies seems to touch on variations of a central theme in his works — “Sight Unseen,” “Collected Stories” and “Brooklyn Boy” — all of which entered the theatrical world at South Coast Repertory.

In all three plays, Margulies focuses on an artist — either a writer or a painter — who has achieved a measure of fame, and then dissects that success by delving into his or her personal failings. A prime example is “Sight Unseen,” now being staged superbly at the Newport Theater Arts Center.

“Sight Unseen” focuses on Brooklyn-born painter Jonathan Waxman (Mitchell Cohen), who has become a major force in the art world and who now is displaying his artwork at a show in London. The venture includes a side trip to Norfolk and a visit to his former lover, Patricia (Allison Coleman McGuire), now married to local archeologist Nick (Scotty Walker).

Sparks do fly, but not the sort that one might imagine. Rather than becoming re-intertwined with Patty (only he still calls her that), Jonathan finds himself engaged in a spirited and often hostile discussion with Nick over the significance, and value, of his art. And his interview with a German TV hostess (Micaela De Lauro) turns disastrous when his Jewish heritage is introduced, uncomfortably, into the conversation.

Director David R. Colley has chosen a splendid cast to present this multi-layered exercise in fame and human frailty. The choices we make, and the reasons for making them, become ingrained in the surface plot, and the play’s complex characterizations are depicted with intellect, passion and humor.

Cohen is particularly successful at dissecting his many-faceted character on three levels — a personal plane in his awkward reunion with Patty, a professional one in his pitched battle with the TV interviewer and, in two flashback scenes, as a fiery and idealistic young artist years away from the sort of fame he enjoys in the present action.

McGuire’s Patricia seethes with inner resentment over being dumped by Jonathan years before and makes it a point to inform him that she’ll never forgive him. She clings to her dull, rustic lifestyle with a vengeance, offering a splendid contrast to her earlier self in the flashback sequences.

The taciturn Nick morphs quickly into an intellectual bully, challenging Jonathan’s high-toned world, and Walker excels in this artistic one-upmanship. A stalwart figure of pride in his archeological achievements, he quickly dispels his country bumpkin exterior and goes for the jugular of his wife’s former lover.

Whether De Lauro’s TV interviewer character is deliberately baiting Jonathan or simply issuing an intellectual challenge is never determined. She displays facets of both characteristics during her brief scenes, but one aspect remains quite clear — she exists in the play to push his buttons and chip away some of his amiable veneer — and De Lauro accomplishes this while maintaining her sweet facade.

Bill Cole’s revolving setting accomplishes the play’s multi-location requirements nicely. Mitch Atkins’ lighting and Ron Wyand’s sound designs enhance the mood of the show considerably.

“Sight Unseen” was born here in 1992, then moved to Off Broadway where it collected an Obie award that year, and returns 15 years later in a solidly realized community theater production. Newport Theater Arts Center should consider an even more riveting Margulies play, “Collected Stories.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Sight Unseen”

WHERE: Newport Theater Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach

WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays At 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 25

COST: $15

CALL: (949) 631-0288