Fri. February 22, 2008
By Michael J. Roberts
I wonder when Al Gore invented the Internet if he imagined it would explode into the spot where singles try their hand at long time romance. I also wonder how many of the same conversations are occurring during the same space in time that Tom and Amy are arguing about condoms and Jesus. Even if there are concurrent conversations, none are as funny, truthful and relevant as the conversation in Tony Fiorentino's brilliant romantic comedy My Dinner With Amy which opened Sunday at the Theatre Building.
Just writing a synopsis of the plot makes one chuckle. Tom sets up a date through quite the naughty named website; Tom shows up at the restaurant to meet the date; The date (Amy) is drop dead gorgeous: They sit down; Amy whips out a Bible and tries to convert Tom who is an agnostic. Plug into this formula a waiter who makes Paul Lynde look butch and you have one of the best 90 minutes you can possibly spend in a theatre.
My Dinner With Amy explores not only the obvious differences between the characters, but Fiorentino delves into both the characters psyche showing the audience the journey both characters took in life to get where they are now, alone and looking for saving. That is what makes the piece very poignant. As the layers are peeled away from each of the characters, the audience gets to put a mirror up to itself as there is a piece of Tom and Amy that exist in all of us.
My Dinner With Amy runs through March 23, 2008 at the Theatre Building Chicago, 1228 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL. For showtimes and ticket information please visit www.theatrebuildingchicago.org
Pictured: Star Alexis Valezques, Phillip MacFarlane and Tony Fiorentino
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