Review: The Unexpected Man

By Anne Siegel, TotalTheater.com

June 17, 2017

As one walks into the cool darkness of the American Players Theater 200-seat indoor theater, waiting for Yasmina Reza’s The Unexpected Man to begin, there is not much to see onstage. Two park-type benches face each other. On the backdrop are nine rectangular projections (the size of train windows). The sounds of a train are heard before the play begins.

As the lights come up, an older Woman settles into one seat. She is carrying a tote bag. Soon the man appears. He is about the same age as the woman, and carries a worn leather pouch. He peers into the coach and checks his ticket. It’s clear from his expression that he would have preferred a private compartment. The Man (Brian Mani) silently takes the other seat.

The Unexpected Man consists mainly of a series of interior monologues between these two characters. They talk of the uncensored thoughts in their own minds. The man, a well-known and well-traveled contemporary author, has recently published a book with the same name as the play’s title. (The Unexpected Man also may refer to the character’s very presence on the train.)

The woman (Sarah Day), an avid fan of this author, immediately recognizes him but is too shy to speak up. It is a long train ride, so she has time to mentally rehearse her opening remarks to him (if she ever finds the courage to start a conversation).

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