![]() McSweeny could also achieve this through directing the actors to have more emotional range in their performances. This would add depth to the production’s message and allow for audiences to empathize with the characters’ vulnerabilities. At the same time, Bradshaw could have focused more on universal, redeeming qualities. Sex choreographer Yehuda Duenyas creates very realistic sexual scenes and it is like sitting on the set of a pornographic film.įulfillment does capture modern life in New York City and creates a greater conversation around what motivates and drives people. At times, the production relies on engaging audiences by using intense sexual scenes with masturbation, S&M and full-frontal nudity. However, the multiple transitions become disruptive and lose their originality after a while. The creative transitions between the scenes are flawless due to the lighting by Brian Sidney Bembridge and sound by Mikhail Fiksel and Miles Polaski. The scenes tend to be short and end too prematurely for audience members to get the full emotional impact. The material is fresh, quick and current but feels underdeveloped. Even with stellar performances like McCabe perfectly nailing his portrayal of Michael’s boss, the production seems like it is still in its adolescent stages. ” Michael started drinking when he was 16 years old.Īs the characters seek fulfillment in their own lives, theatergoers may start to wonder if this production achieves what it set out to accomplish. You stopped maturing emotionally the second you started to drink. Audiences begin to understand the roots of Michael’s alcoholism when Sarah says, “It’s only natural that you have no idea how to deal with people. It also softens the cold, robotic, conniving exterior behavior of the other characters. Akinnagbe conveys Michael’s innocence eloquently and this allows for audiences to eventually develop compassion for Michael’s struggle. His own identity and sense of self-worth are questionable. The situation only escalates when Michael complains to the president of his condo association Bob (Denny Dillon).Īs a grown man, Michael appears naive and boyish and easily manipulated by others. New York City theatergoers will also easily relate with the intolerable amount of noise from Michael’s upstairs neighbor Ted (Jeff Biehl). Audiences witness how Michael’s alcohol dependency feeds his insecurities and ultimately sabotages everything Michael has been trying to create for himself. The value of this production is demonstrated in how this message is shown through the breakdown of Michael’s life. This play’s message about happiness not being found in external things is communicated well. Sarah says that Michael should instead “be living in a five million dollar apartment.” Michael also just bought a “shoebox in Soho” to live in for $1.5 million and had to borrow $80,000 from his mother’s retirement to help cover the down payment. Mark offers to have the firm pay for Michael to go to rehab, but Michael does not want to be away from work for that long. Whenever Michael’s white boss Mark (Peter McCabe) has a new, black client, Mark “trot out like a show horse!” Mark claims that Michael has not been made partner because Michael has a drinking problem. I’m telling you this because we’re two of the only people from under-represented groups working here. Michael’s white, office hookup-turned girlfriend Sarah (Susannah Flood) claims that Michael has not been promoted to partner because of racism. Although Michael's colleague Steven started at the law firm the same time as Michael, Steven has been promoted to partner and makes $800,000 a year. The play's protagonist is a 40-year-old black lawyer named Michael (Gbenga Akinnagbe), who has worked 80 hours a week for the past nine years at a law firm with the same title of senior associate. Ethan McSweeny directs an accomplished ensemble in Thomas Bradshaw’s Fulfillment. Set in present-day Manhattan, the play covers ridiculous housing challenges and various pathways to self-satisfaction that resonate with New Yorkers. Sex, drugs, alcohol and money does not bring contentment to New York City lawyers, but it is still entertaining to watch the lawyers search for inner peace.
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