THE DOWNSIDE
The play takes place in the offices of Mark and Maxwell, a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey that is about to introduce a new tranquilizer called Maxolan 3000. The FDA has given it the OK, and the company president, who like God communicates as a disembodied voice (over the conference telephone), wants the drug on the market immediately.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
A third complication involving Maxolan introduces an ethical issue, but nothing serious enough to induce thought. The Downside remains steadfastly shallow. Fortunately the cast members, under the direction of Neil Wilson, find the humor in the script without straining for laughs. Although Scanlan stumbled on his lines occasionally, he brings a wonderfully deadpan approach to Alan, the beleaguered executive kept awake by Nixon. Kymberly Harris cleverly adds a touch of intelligence to Roxanne, the lusty receptionist who is sexually involved with two men–sometimes at the same time. And John S. Baker comes through with a hilariously manic performance as Gary, the man hired to produce a film about Maxolan. “I’ve done the art thing,” Gary explains with intensity. “Now I’m into making money.”
