It was one of the theater-defining experiences for me of the last 20 years, and I saw it twice at Circle. This summer, I saw a community theater production. I approached with trepidation. But was stunned at how well it was imagined and performed. The casting entirely suitable, voices superb, all of the score handled with utmost care. With only some of the subtlety missing in the performances - Bruce was more one-note, harder to want to spend time with (let us celebrate all that Cerveris brought to the role: charisma, keen sense of intelligence, effortless ability to show how much he loved his daughter). I went to the closing after a three-week run, and the young actor playing the youngest iteration of Allison burst into sobs at the curtain call. The release of emotion somehow put a mysterious yet oddly knowable period on the experience of the show. It's a beautiful piece that asks for a profound investment of both performer and audience, unlike any other. I would see it anywhere at any time.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
