Beside Myself Shines a Light on Anxiety and Social Discomfort
North Coast Rep started a new season with the world premiere comedy Beside Myself by Paul Slade Smith. Slade Smith has had other plays at NCR, and, as Artistic Director David Ellenstein mentions in the Director’s Note in the program, “it was natural” to commission the playwright for this new work. Curiously, after reviewing my notes, the only other play by Slade Smith I had seen was The Outsider at Scripps Ranch, which was part of my “Best of San Diego Theatre” in 2022. So, that was a good sign.
Gemma (Erin Noel Grennan) is a retired therapist who is constantly haunted by anxiety. She lives in an apartment complex with very involved neighbors (Christopher M. Williams), as well as their superintendent (Matthew Henerson). Colin (Thomas Edward Daugherty) is Gemma’s friend and owns a flower shop. He stays close and looks after her friend and might want something more too… Gemma finds out about this new procedure from Dr. Thatcher (Jacquelyn Ritz). Minimally invasive, the method “adjusts” certain parts of the brain and helps with anxiety and social discomfort. As proof, Dr. Thatcher has Sylvie (Alanna J. Smith), a former patient, now assistant, and spokesperson for the adjustment who, even though she looks a little too cheerie, pumps Gemma to go through it herself.
Once the procedure is done, Gemma feels the change and returns to her practice along with a new love life. Everything is happening and apparently running its course. That is, until a voice from Gemma’s former self manifests, while discovering she is not the only one.
The comedy runs around two hours with an intermission, flows nicely, and is very entertaining. It has the NCR slapstick feel and look with plenty of doors, some with knobs, some push, where actors come, go, and disappear. I also interpreted Marty Burnett’s set design as the brain, with all the doors being different sizes. Matt Novotny’s lighting for this production was potently bright, mimicking that hospital/clinic vibe, contrasting with dimmed shadows to reflect introspection. Michael Wogulis‘ props effectively illustrated key points in the story, such as the procedure itself. They made it enjoyable for both the cast and the audience, with Aaron Rumley’s sound accentuating gasp-inducing moments while marking the pauses.
David Ellenstein’s direction was cohesive, with the cast meshing wonderfully and highlighting each other. Every one of them had various comeduc hits, and another cool aspect was that they played multiple roles, from the complex neighbors to other patients. Some productions abuse the dynamic of an actor playing various roles, but this one was just right. Alina Bokovikova’s costumes and Peter Herman’s wigs came in perfectly for the different characterizations, which were unique and set apart from the rest.
Even though this is a comedy, Beside Myself does shine a light on anxiety and references authentically the feelings, attitude, and even mannerisms someone with anxiety might have. It is an accompanying comedy. Also reminded me of the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the animated Inside Out.
Currently playing until October 5.
Shannon Humiston is the Stage Manager, and Victoria Hua is the Production Assistant.
