Review: 'The Jinn' by Kirk Lynn

MadLab presents three lovers quarrels with supernatural implications

By Dwayne Steward

Metromix

MadLab Theatre definitely knows how to send its audience on a mind-bender.

Their latest project, Kirk Lynn's "The Jinn" (running through Aug. 28 at their downtown theater on Third Street), features a cynical and conniving "supernatural" genie (Jinn for short) that wreaks havoc on three couples already in the midst of relationship turmoil.

The genie (played with a perfect pitch of scheming sarcasm by Jennifer Feather Youngblood) enters at the start of the play to African drum beating and interpretive dance by a trio of faithful "minions" (Joyce Patrone, Pam Sanchez, Mary Sink). However, we soon discover it's all pomp and circumstance as The Jinn's wish-granting skills are constricted to "only things someone else can give you." And it's only through constant pestering that the play's characters actually get what they want, a feat easily accomplished by most. 

Middle-aged married couple Jen (Jennifer Barlup) and Jim (Andy Batt) battle through the beginning of a bitter separation. Jenny (Tay Lane) and Jimmy (Jim Azelvandre) are an older couple who just can't seem to stand each other anymore, that is until Jimmy realizes he can't live without his wife when she comes up missing. Then there's Jennifer (Michelle Weiser) and James (Travis Horseman) who awkwardly mill though the after affects of a one-night stand.

The women are the stars of the show, each owner of a golden lamp (which impressively begins smoking before The Jinn appears) and each unsure of how they've come to possess it. Each also calls upon The Jinn inside to fix the problems in their lives and relationships, usually to unsavory results. 

Directors Michelle Batt and Amanda Bauer prove two heads are better then one with their ambitious staging tactics. A two-level, three-area set design (courtesy of set designers Andy Batt and Brendan Michna) perfectly portions off the action between the three couples, and is accented by the "minions" who often use The Jinn's words as inspiration for movement about the structure.

The moral of the story doesn't lie in The Jinn's so-called powers, but in Barlup's ending declaration that one doesn't need wishes that make other people give them what they want, but what one truly needs can only be supplied by oneself.

A moral worthy of explanation, if not overly layered with lengthy monologues and constant exposition. Kirk's script soared during the conflicts or touching moments had between the three couples when the genie's tampering went awry, but slowed considerably when each scene ended with needless over-explanation.

Kirk Lynn's "The Jinn" runs Aug. 5-28 at the MadLab Theatre, 227 N. Third Street. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students/seniors and $8 for members. For more information call 614-221-5418 or visit the MadLab Web site.