Any seasoned theatre-goer will tell you that sometimes the talent elevates the material they are given. Whether it is the actors chemistry together or the direction they are given by the director a quality production can take something that’s weak and make it entertaining to watch. Such is the case with Salt Lake Acting Company’s new play, The Roommate, which is a show I still recommend but because of the leading ladies more than what playwright Jen Silverman has given them to perform.

The play focuses on Sharon (Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin,) a recently divorced woman in Iowa who invites Robyn (Annette Wright) a transplanted New Yorker to become her roommate. 2 women from different backgrounds that share some life experiences (for example, they are both estranged from their children) is enough to tell a compelling story. Sharon could begin dating again, as she does in the play. They could both work to reconcile with their children or any number of relatable and understandable life situations. Instead Silverman decides Robyn being ‘quirky’ means she’s into credit card fraud and smoking pot. I suppose I can understand a sheltered woman like Sharon being tempted by illicit activities but she would at least have some reservations when it actually comes down to swindling her neighbors and associates. Either way, it took me out of the play making the whole experience less effective than it could have been.

All that said, both Darby-Duffin and Wright are excellent in their performances giving as much heart to the story as they possibly can, and I believed they are genuine friends. In the talk-back after Wright said it is fun for them because they are cast against type as she usually plays more naive roles like Sharon. In many ways that sense of awkwardness works for these characters who are both stepping outside their comfort zone taking on a new roommate.

I do want to say I really appreciate the warm and friendly atmosphere over at SLAC. They not only welcome each group to their shows but gave me a personalized thank you card for covering/attending their upcoming season. It might seem like a small detail but it helps endear a patron to the company even if the play isn’t perfect (I absolutely adored their Bat Boy earlier this year.) This production of The Roommate is directed by Teresa Sanderson, and she has gotten the most out of her actors. The set by Spencer Potter is a believable Iowa kitchen (although there are some conveniences in Silverman’s script that have to be ignored like Robyn never unpacking her kitchen supplies or even moving them from the porch but oh well.) They also actually drink coffee and pour actual almond milk from a carton on the fridge and little details like that help add to authenticity in a play like this.

If any of my readers have seen a production of The Roommate I’d love to know what you think. It is playing through October 26th with a matinee on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Roommate is a play written by Jen Silverman in 2015 and it first premiered on Broadway in 2024.

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