My Own Take: Off-Broadway's 'Angry Alan" with John Krasinski

The show: ”Angry Alan” by Penelope Skinner at off-Broadway’s new Studio Seaview (formerly Second Stage’s Tony Kiser Theatre) on 43rd street and Eighth Avenue).

What makes it special?: John Krasinski , best known as Jim Halpert in the television series “The Office,” the “Jack Ryan” film and as the dad in the hit film “Quiet Place,” stars in this dark comedy. Sam Gold (“Romeo + Juliet,” “Fun Home”) directs.

Background info: Skinner co-created the play with Don Mackay, which debuted in 2018 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Off-Broadway production, adapted from its British original to an American setting, marks the show’s New York debut.

What’s it about?: Meet Roger (Krasinski), a middle-aged, Mid-West, suburban white man — divorced and out-of-work from a corporate job he loved. (He now works at a grocery store). As he finds that his life is out-of-control on all levels, he becomes drawn into the on-line world of ‘Angry Alan, ‘ (never seen but whose presence is always felt). ‘Angry Alan’’s self-help website mask misogyny as he lectures on how men’s power is being taken away from them in an increasingly woke world.

And Roger is eager to tell us all about it. Like a Ted Talk from hell, Roger addresses the audience directly in a friendly, conversational mode, sharing his story — and excitement — about what he felt like when he started being pulled into this seemingly supportive on-line world.

Another red-state loser: Not at all. Roger’s clothes (he’s a khaki guy), home (boringly conventional) , and (almost always) relaxed demeanor is all meant to feel rather ordinary and identifiable. But look carefully and you’d see that Roger’s living room is slightly tilted and one gradually feels that Roger’s narrative is getting a little askew too.

The casual ordinariness is part of the play’s master plan and the casting of the likable, ultimate nice guy Krasinski is perfect. (I’m not sure how the show would feel with another actor who doesn’t bring that Everyman persona with him would have the same impact. Perhaps Tom Hanks when he was middle-aged?) The audience must like — even sympathize with — Roger, at least in the beginning because there’s another 90 minutes to go as this character slowly slides into darkness. If that likability factor is missing from ther get-go this disturbing play would be almost unbearable.

But Krasinski lures us with his natural charm that never pushes — and there’s some humorous bits and lines to make it easy for the audience to be on his side — at first. His Roger is smiling, upbeat, earnest, and funny, in a befuddled-Dad sort of way. He sees himself as a good guy. and at first we see him as relatable.

This Roger starts out not angry but just confused with where his life has taken him and anxious to where it’s heading as he edges towards depression and desperation. But little resentments start to slip in. It’s not that he’s unaware of these cutting remarks but his justifications for them become stronger as the play goes on and as his delusions become fiercer.

Roger’s need to be seen and recognized — and even admired, certainly by his son — in a world that has so easily dismissed him is what propels his character into defensive absolutism and paranoia..

Playwright Skinner is deft at showing the ingratiating way the Alans of the world prey on the Rogers and marking the stops along the downward slope. But the play is less successful at presenting a more complex guy. At times Rioger is a star man of sorts and Roger’s swallowing of “the red pill” just feels a little too easy —albeit quite fascinating , with a surprise or two waiting in the wings.

Who will like it?: Certainy, Krasinski fans. Blue pill folks.

Who won’t?: The MAGA crowd (though they’ll like how much of their philosophy is presented.)

For the kids?: Probably not. They might miss the purpose and swallow the red pill.

Thoughts on leaving the parking lot?:Toxic masculinity seems to be all the rage (on so many levels) with “Angry Alan,” “John Proctor Is the Villain” and “Trophy Boys.” Poor guys (not really).

Info: The show ends its limited run Aug. 3.