Soulmate

Zachary Michael Shook and Shannon Wong in a scene from Douglas Clarke’s “Soulmate” at Actor’s Temple Theatre (Photo credit: Courtesy of the production)

Soulmate, written and directed by Douglas Clarke who also composed the music used in the production, is touted to be a “pulse pounding adults-only play with original music.” It purports to push the boundaries of “love, desire, and intimacy.” Still, it does not achieve any of the descriptions except for “adults-only” given the scenes of full-frontal nudity and simulated sex. With or without music, it is a mercifully short play with very little to recommend.

Clarke’s direction is uneven, giving the show a rehearsal or community theater vibe. The narrative line is unclear as to whether the main characters are real or a hallucination of one of them. The songs, what few there are, are extraneous to the action, adding nothing of importance to understanding the point of the story.

The main characters are Cyrene (Shannon Wong) who is the wife of Caleb (Zachery Michael Shook), a construction manager. According to the play notes they are involved in pushing “the boundaries of love, desire, and intimacy.” The major problem with this dramatic idea is Cyrene is a memory of Caleb’s dead wife, who is directing him to find new and provocative sexual relationships with other women. The character is a constant presence with Caleb but is not seen by any other person. This dramatic element is hinted at but unclear until halfway through this short play.

Shannon Wong, Zachary Michael Shook, and Jaque Jeanne and Nicolette Boillotat in a scene from Douglas Clarke’s “Soulmate” at Actor’s Temple Theatre (Photo credit: courtesy of the production)

The show notes proclaim the themes of “sexual exploration, and raw vulnerability” raise questions about connection and attachment, which is only true if you consider Caleb’s grief over the death of his wife has caused serious mental issues for him. This production misses the mark if Clarke intends to confront the profound issues involved in managing grief.

The ensemble is composed of Sean Amato, Nicolette Boillotat, Leonardo Hamilton, Jackson Ivy Jayne, Jaque Jeanne, and Sunn’e Ratcliff. Their performances range from good to amateurish, with some actors shouting their lines rather than projecting and others speaking their lines softly as if they were wearing microphones. The overall effect is to disrupt whatever dramatic tension may be developing. The simulated sex and full-frontal nudity add nothing to the story.

Soulmate (through May 11, 2025)

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group & Razor Wire Productions

Actor’s Temple Theatre, 339 West 47^th Street, in Manhattan

For tickets, visit http://www.telecharge.com/Soulmate-Tickets

Running time: 55 minutes without an intermission