My overall impression
Waitless is a much more interesting show than some of the reviewers here are giving it credit for. I thought it was a nice investigation of the dynamics of a relationship in which one person’s needs are subverted for the others, in the name of long term success for both. That’s a tough thing to handle, and worthy of a more deep analysis than simple demonizing, and this script handles it admirably. Both actors turned in strong performances, and for different reasons. Andrew Boyle deftly stepped into and out of character with the precision of a dancer, while Laura Emanuel does a great job shouldering the burden of what amounts to an enormous monologue, while displaying some lovely moments when the reality of trying to support someone at your own expense hits, and hits hard.
I’d also like to take to task the reviewer who dismissed this play as the complaint of rich housewife. I don’t know what play he was watching, but I found his comments somewhat sexist, as well as indicative of a lack of listening to what the facts of the script were. The woman in this story was caught in a situation where she had to give up her job, move halfway around the world, and then be forced to not work or do anything productive or engaging because of government bureaucracy. In other words, this was a woman trapped, and only because she wanted to make a decision to support her husband. To dismiss this as simply the rantings of a spoiled stay-at-home housewife is to miss the point utterly.
Great job by the writer, cast, and in particular to the wonderful direction, which kept a very wordy play moving, on its feet, dynamic, and engaging throughout.
