‘Love: a multiple choice question’ is the show currently playing at the Stables theatre. This is, in no way, your average show, having come all the way from New York with a colourful history. It is the creation, back in 2003, of Jamie Jackson and SoHee Youn, two students from the New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program. They devised a one man show based around Jamie’s hometown and family, submitted it to the New York International Fringe Festival, and the play was accepted. Their show received a warm response, and two years later and with some fine tuning, ‘Love: a multiple choice question’ has come to the Stables.
The play tells a simple, eloquent narrative. Jamie plays a guy who has decided to break up with his long time girlfriend. He feels that the relationship is going nowhere, and always finds himself checking out other women. We see him having him the big confrontation scene with his girlfriend, who fights to keep him, and then the play shifts focus. He is, so to speak, pulled out of the big bust-up scene and thrown back into his old hometown and family and friends, where he goes on a journey of self discovery, and to find the true meaning of love. The play ends with him being thrown back into his dialogue with his girlfriend, and having to decide what to do.
The Stables theatre proved the right venue for this intimate production. SoHee took her seat by the piano at the back of the stage, and played gently in the background. Jamie Jackson had the rest of the stage to weave his magic. The piece went for about an hour twenty, and featured some 10 songs.
‘Love: a multiple choice question’ proved to be a showcase for Jackson’s talents, showing off his strong voice, and considerable acting talents as he brought to life many characters from his past. The theme that Jamie and SoHee wove through the work, came through easily, love involves depth and commitment.
