“The Counter” at TheaterWorks Hartford by Zander Opper

“The Counter”at TheaterWorks Hartford

TheaterWorks Hartford is currently presenting an exceptional production of Meghan Kennedy’s superb play, “The Counter.”  Taking place in the recent past in way upstate New York, this shows chronicles the daily relationship between a waitress and a customer at a diner.  This doesn’t sound like a premise that would inspire greatness, but that is what has been wrought in this current production. Director Rob Ruggiero’s sensitive, carefully modulated handling of the show and his two terrific leads make everything work like a charm within an intermission-less, 75 minute running time.

Justis Bolding is quite brilliant as the waitress, Katie, and she is matched by the equally wonderful Tim DeKay as the customer Paul.  The interplay between the two characters feels totally believable and natural.  This play has been cunningly titled “The Counter” because that is the one thing that blocks their interactions from getting any closer.  Everything is not what it seems on the surface, though, with some shocking, as well as informative, aspects of each character gradually being introduced.  There is also a third character, Peg (played by the skillful Erika Rolfsrud), which helps to provide some back story for the part of Paul.  “The Counter” at TheaterWorks Hartford is a breathtaking show and it is riveting from beginning to end.

The set design, by Tijana Bjelajac, is just perfect, with the perspective of the diner being seen from the waitress’ side of the counter.  “The Counter” is made up of several short scenes, as Paul comes to the diner to get his regular coffee from Katie each morning.  The consistency of each of these character’s behavior and their relationship is quickly established, so when the playwright throws in a curveball, of sorts, about something the audience does not know about either Paul or Katie, it lands almost devastatingly.  That is not to say that this play doesn’t contain its share of humor: there are numerous comedic moments throughout the show.  Even when things get heavier and deadly serious, the mood of “The Counter” is still jovial and welcoming.

A big part of the effectiveness of the play are the surprises that one slowly finds out about each of the characters, so I would hate to reveal too much about the plot.  Suffice it is to say, though, that it is actually the feeling of “surprise” which lingers and is discussed throughout the play.  In addition to the interplay between Katie and Paul, there are also carefully molded times when each character gets an interior monologue.  What can be revealed is how excellent each of these performers is.

As Katie, Justis Bolding brings a whole cornucopia of feelings and facets to her character and she is able to embody several emotions all at once.  Tim DeKay, as Paul, seems a sad sack of a man from the start, so the times when there is lightness in his life are just dazzling.  It’s incredible just how much one learns about these two people, just by watching one serve coffee to the other.  Not to be forgotten is Erika Rolfsrud, as the character of Peg.  I saw Rolfsrud do sensational work in the play “Good People” at TheaterWorks several years ago, so it is almost a pity that this actress doesn’t have more to do.

That said, the playwright knows exactly what she is doing and the director is in perfect harmony with her.  This show would never work if one didn’t feel like they were at an actual diner, so the costumes, terrifically designed by Risa Ando, are appropriate and add authenticity to the show. The moody, effective lighting design by Matthew Richards is just as good and it must be mentioned that the original music by Billy Bivona is beautiful and goes a long way in making the production so fine. It is highly recommended to spent an hour and fifteen minutes with Katie and Paul in “The Counter” at TheaterWorks Hartford for a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.

“The Counter” at TheaterWorks Hartford in Hartford, CT runs through March 15, 2026. For tickets, please visit http://www.twhartford.org.

Photo: Justis Bolding and Tim DeKay

Photo by Curtis Brown