James PetrilloDoes an end to loneliness exist?...

James Petrillo

Does an end to loneliness exist? Is true love really possible? Can it

all happen around the water cooler? Maybe so, if our egos have

anything to say about it.

The enduring struggle to find happiness in an increasingly

isolated world is examined in the world premiere of Joseph De Rosa’s

“An Evening With The Egos” at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank.

This simple story of finding love at the office is enriched by a

lovable cast and some keen insights into the inner workings of the

mind.

Co-workers William (Jeremy Kent Jackson) and Carol (Adrianne Avey)

timidly explore their attraction to each other every day as they

fumble for words at the water cooler. Meanwhile, their egos are seen

following them around, commenting on their actions.

Billy (Dominic Catrambone) tries to bring out the poetry from

William’s brain and onto his lips. CC (Juliette Miller) feels free to

dance like Carol hasn’t been able to for years. Both egos constantly

deal with childhood demons that haunt the couple’s every decision.

Director Maria Gobetti wisely focuses on the lighter moments of

office romance before the laughter fades quickly in a heavy-handed

second act. The best scenes revolve around flashbacks acted out by

the egos that depict pivotal moments from past relationships. One

hilarious visit with William’s previous girlfriend makes you wonder

how he could ever bear to try again.

Catrambone stands out in the strong ensemble as an ego who is

perilously close to an id. He makes Billy’s feelings for CC ring

truer than the feelings that exist between William and Carol.

Grant Gorell’s crafty set design manages to seamlessly fit an

office, a bistro and a bedroom onto a tiny stage. And Alison Hooper

works in some subtly effective choreography, especially in the unique

first act closer that weaves a dance number into a love scene. It’s a

dreamy moment that stays with you.