Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
After Four Decades Terrence McNally Play Still Resonates
By: Charles Giuliano - Aug 03, 2026
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
By Terrence McNally
Shakespeare & Company
Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
July 30 to August 23, 2026
Directed by Nicole Ricciardi
Set, John McDermott; Lighting, Madeline Herbert; Costumes, Christina Beam; Fight director, Ryan Winkles
Cast: Jennifer Apple (Frankie), Jamal James (Johnny)
Action commences with Frankie (Jennifer Apple) and Jamal James (Johnny) engaged in wild and very loud sex. It’s the first date for co-workers at a New York Greek Diner. Following dinner and an unmemorable movie she invited him to her Hell’s Kitchen studio apartment.
The shabby crib is the best she can afford working for tips. John McDermott has aptly captured the dingy walls and cramped space. The high rise affords views into neighboring apartments. On lonely night she observes an elderly couple that exists in silence. There is also a man who beats his woman. Confronted about that during a chance encounter, Frankie offered help, but the response was “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
A window affords a view of the fire escape as well as the glow of the moon. That becomes a defining element in this play of some four decades ago by Terrence McNally.
There are strong performances by Apple and James with sensitive directing by Nicole Ricciardi.
The language and sex are raw and crude. He often prefaces a salty remark with the phrase ‘Pardon my French.’ Oddly there are also quotes from Shakespeare. We learn that he attended two years of college and is now a line cook. A professional waitress with minimal education she matches him in a game of wits with life experience and a survival instinct.
Now that the fun is over she makes him a cold meatloaf sandwich and wants to send him back to Brooklyn.
“Brooklyn Heights” he corrects her as if that really matters.
He lingers with many evasions and excuses. At least for him this is more promising than a one night stand. That unfolds over a single evening in two acts. The energy and dynamics of the two-hander comes from him.
Preposterously he declares love on their first date. He pitches his dream of marriage, family and children.
Alarmed she reveals that because of what a former lover did to her she can’t have children.
“We’ll adopt” he counters.
The radio is tuned to classical music. While she is in the bathroom he calls the station with a request, can you play the most beautiful music in the world. Debussy’s Clair de Lune is dedicated to them.
It’s the most poetic passage in a play that is often raw and erotic. He demands of her frontal nudity. The request underscores that they only really connect in bed. Even that goes south. “That’s never happened to me before,” he says defensively.
The night wears on with him stating that tomorrow is Sunday and she can sleep in.
With time there are revelations the most significant regarding their age. Both lie until admitting that she is 41 and he is 46. It’s the last chance for both of them to finally create lasting relationships. That makes sense and what we are left with.
On Monday they will be back slinging hash with a lifetime ahead of them.