Andy Jones and Greg Malone ride again
Two of Newfoundland and Labdador’s best amaze in ‘Men of Misfortune’
Dynamic duo Andy Jones and Greg Malone are together on the LSPU Hall stage this week, as Charles Picco’s original thriller “Men of Misfortune” continues its eight-show run.
The two-hander play stars Jones and Malone as brothers Lester and Henry Macpherson, respectively.
Though set in 2015, the show takes place in a 1970s-era home on Craigmillar Avenue. The set immediately struck the audience, who snapped pictures before the actors hit the stage.
Amidst the crowd chatter, there were many comments about the attention to detail, with some noting how the set was remarkably reminiscent of their own interior design in that decade.
On one wall, we see a fireplace holding two urns – this is the first object to catch Henry’s eye upon walking into his former family home.
Lester – who, up to this moment, was sitting comfortably enjoying a drink – has to break the news to his long-lost brother that both of his parents had died.
Dodging the question of, “What brings you here?” Henry
evaluates the time-capsule home, commenting on the decor, and the record collection.
Lester asks the question again.
“I heard ya the first time,” Henry responds, still avoiding answering the pertinent question.
It is revealed that the pair haven’t seen each other in 30 years, which explains Lester’s behaviour.
Obviously feeling on edge from this impromptu visit,
Lester pours another drink. He offers a glass to Henry, who declines – “I’m on the wagon,” he explains.
Though both seemingly of sound mind, the questionable circumstances surrounding this mysterious visit causes tension between the brothers.
This tension continues to bubble in the play’s intriguing storyline, evoking heated discussions about people, places and events from the past.
Though Henry is trying to live in the present and put his colourful past behind him, Lester seemingly isn’t ready to forgive and forget.
Henry reminds Lester that his past isn’t as ethically immaculate as he thinks.
A renewed sort of sibling rivalry is born, and as the proverbial pot is continuously stirred, it eventually boils over.
Though marketed as a thriller, Picco’s “Men of Misfortune” edges on dark comedy, creating just as many laughs as it does moments of deep silence.
Laughter is to be expected, with Jones and Malone at the helm, and the various emotions displayed in the performance show the immense skill and talent that both these actors possess.
As someone who grew up in a post-codco era, having only seen clips on Youtube, it is truly an honour to see two patriarchs of the Newfoundland and Labrador entertainment industry onstage together.
Jones and Malone have an unspoken chemistry, and their longtime friendship – on and off the stage – lends itself well to “Men of Misfortune,” a title neither actor will ever hold.
“Men of Misfortune” runs Nov. 6-10 at 8 p.m. at the LSPU Hall.