Carl The Second
by Marc Palmieri
presented by Whatmanwhatcar theatre company and David Elliott (Exec. Producer)
directed by George Demas
with Jeremy Johnson, Siobhan Mahoney, Edgar Oliver, Marc Palmieri, Megan Pearson, and Carlo Trigiani
Set Design by Michael Beneville
at Altered Stages, NYC
Palmieri’s play is about Carl. And Carl is a second.
And midway through a life of living in the shadows of others, Carl Fraser has found solace and an understanding of his place in the universe with the great also-rans of literature. At peace in the lonesome cloister of a used bookstore, Carl has somehow found dignity, comfort and a kind of sad romance in the condition to which he believes he is doomed. Enter Christine, perhaps the first woman in his life who threatens his theory with a challenge to defy the evidence and dare to be loved. Thus a problem arises when Carl is presented with this opportunity - to take on an uncharacteristic role where he might finally become a "first."
Can a ‘second’ rise above his lowly status to the lofty heights of the ‘firsts?’
This show opened not long after 9/11 and was a very real balm to audiences that needed a good night out. I joined whatmanwhatcar as the Executive Producer of the show. Tremendously limited by a small budget, the show would nearly sell out - and for a heady minute or two, we flirted with a Broadway producer about transferring it to a larger Off Broadway Theatre. It was, quite simply, one of the best times I have ever had working in the theatre.
The critics said:
“Those frustrated by that middle child feeling might find respite in a new tragic hero: Carl the Second. Poor guy can’t seem to place first—in any category—Until!” — Village Voice.
“[A] witty new comedy…CARL is an extended riff on the little-explored arche-type of the second banana, the failure, the sidekick…When Palmieri lets his imagination cut loose, the results can be evocative…There are also several zingy one liners…At the very least, the meek will inherit the mirth.” —Time Out NY
“[Palmieri] has a clever way with characterization and dialogue.” —NY Theatre Experience.
When we extended the show, The New York Times noted: “The play, about a second son who comes in second in life, is adding an extra (you guessed it) two weeks.”