A Steady Rain | B+

Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig are two great actors. Combine that with their stunning good looks and their ability to do theater, and you get A Steady Rain, the limited engagement that closed Sunday at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater in New York City.

A Steady Rain is absolutely an underrated, captivating and brilliant two-man play about two Chicago cops who are lifelong best friends and whose lives overlap to make one complete man. Based on similar real-life events, the two characters, Joey (Craig) and Denny (Jackman), go through a few days that test their friendship, relationships, morality and righteousness.

For Jackman, his role is a departure from his tough, cold characters. Though there is a different aspect he portrays that is macho and racist, Denny has a lot of emotion and the logistical reasons for his actions can be seen, even if they are detrimental.

Craig’s character is far from the James Bond most people think of him as. This play shows his ability to play softer roles, while still maintaining his strength. Although at first he seems to be just an alcoholic, we see that there is far more to Joey than meets they eye. The viewer is empathetic to Joey’s plight, where as with Denny the emotion is more sympathetic.

Jackman and Craig are powerful and manage to keep their accents hidden, even through the most animated scenes. The emotion cannot only be heard in their voices, but can be seen through their faces and body gestures. It is not just a character for the two men, but more of an embodiment of who these men are.

The play alternates between two separate monologues and present-moment dialogue scenes. What is so striking about it is the graphicness of the dialogues and their ability to evoke a reaction from the crowd. It truly gives meaning to the power of words.

The set is sparse, containing two chairs and lights, elevated by a mini-stage. The backdrops are the only variable and are computer generated with a very realistic aspect. They barely populate the play, integrating themselves with the narrative at particularly emotional and graphic scenes.

The play is only 90 minutes long and runs without an intermission — justly, as it would ruin the flow of the play.

Overall, the play is a gritty and rich gripping noir tale that is emotionally and mentally captivating. Jackman and Craig dole out their roles with such fervor that it could be mistaken for a religious experience.