But us, old friend,
What's to discuss old friend?
Here's to us. Who's like us?
Damn few.
And there's been damn few like The Old Friends this summer.
Horton Foote, that beautiful master of words, was in fine form when he wrote this one, and even goes full on Tennessee Williams in the second act. I loved both the characters and the plot so much; this is easily the best play I've seen since Vanya and Sonia.
The actors are performing at such a high caliber, and at the third preview no less, that I don't know what to do but effusively gush over each of them.
Buckley, as indicated in the title of this thread, is sure packing a wallop and taking full advantage of the juicy part that she was given. She plays a oft drunk widow of a wealthy rancher in Harrison, Texas. She has all the money in the world, but can't seem to buy the affections of Howard (Cotter Smith, in Bobby Ewing mode). She is ruthless, pathetic, pitiable, desperate and funny as hell. She's doing some splendid work.
On the other side of the coin is Hallie Foote. To paraphrase Buckley's character, she doesn't say much, but she sure THINKS a lot. Yes Foote doesn't have so many line, but don't let that fool you. She takes no prisoners and it was her performance that truly killed me tonight. I truly thought she was brilliant; a masterful display of the understated heartbreaker.
Now on to Veanne Cox, that little viper. She's another one you can't underestimate in that small frame of hers. If Cotter Smith is Bobby Ewing then Cox is Sue Ellen x10. She plays a miserable lush trapped in an unhappy marriage, and has no qualms about chasing after younger men. I LOVED her final moments on stage.
Lois Smith is a JOY. There are some shades of Trip to Bountiful in her plot, as she plays an elderly woman trying to escape the unhappy life she has staying with her daughter and son-in-law. She goes through some ups and downs, but always remains hopeful and loving. She never loses her spirit no matter the struggle she must face, and this is a beautiful thing.
It's easy to take Michael Wilson's work for granted because he's directed so many of Foote's plays with such ease, but this is one of his strongest efforts.
Reading the note in the Playbill there are two other plays with these same characters. I pray that Signature will find a way to put on the other plays, and if they can run them in rep with this cast all the better. Congrats to all involved on such a great night at the theater!
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
