Len Cariou transcendent in ALL MY SONS at the Geffen Playhouse

Oh. My. God. Best play I've seen in YEARS. I was truly blown away by the performances. Len Cariou as Joe Keller was amazing. Awe-inspiring. As was the work by the entire cast, particularly Laurie Metcalf as Kate Keller and Neil-Patrick Harris as Chris.

It was just a really wonderful evening of theater. Extremely moving and cathartic. The transition from what appeared to be a lighthearted post-WWII family drama in Act I to gut-wrenching tragedy in Act III was absolutely seamless. (That Arthur Miller sure knew how to write a play!)

I really can't say enough good things about this production. If you happen to be anywhere in the LA area in the next month, you really have to make a point of seeing this. Seriously. (They close May 21st)

On a side-note, my husband (not an actor, and not really even a theater-goer), was gushing over Mr. Cariou at the opening night party afterwards, practically jumping over a banquette to get to him, shaking his hand, telling him, "I never thought I'd ever see an actor as good as Spencer Tracy, but you are. Maybe better!" And I was there, too, just grinning, and saying, "Really wonderful work," over and over again. hehehe He (Cariou) was extremely gracious. =)

Updated On: 4/20/06 at 12:13 PM

I love that play...did it in high school. Wish I could see this one!

Going to see Salome at the Wadsworth this weekend but this may have to be my next show. Thanks for the review and heads up about it!

Wow. How bizarre. I was there with a large contingent from the Paint Your Wagon cast (ran at the Geffen 2004/2005), and to a man, we all thought it was amazing. And we pretty much ALL hated Boston Marriage, and were quite mixed on 9 Parts of Desire (which I must admit I loved), so it's not like we're all Geffen drones or something...

Yes, I will say I noticed Len Cariou going up on his lines (I counted two times), but he covered it so well, very organically, that I actually thought it added to the truthfulness of the characterization.

As for the Laurie Metcalfe vs. Neil-Patrick Harris acting styles thing, we were all up in the mezzanine, so perhaps Ms. Metcalfe's performance read more "true" back there? 'Cause I didn't see what you saw at all. I saw an intense portrayal of a woman quite literally on the verge of not only a nervous breakdown, but perhaps even a psychotic break. Which I thought was a wonderful choice.

Also, for what it's worth, my husband is just a "guy" - not a self-professed expert on theater, not a wannabe actor, not even an avid theatergoer - just an intelligent man who accompanies me to these things once in a while, and he loved it. Thought it was the best thing I've ever -er - dragged him to.

So, I guess, "to each his own."

I stand by my review. I loved it.

Interesting, how different perspectives can be.

I love this play and had the pleasure of seeing it a few years ago here at Arena Stage. I also had the pleasure of seeing Len Cariou in a numher of plays - including The Dinner Party and Copenhagen at the Kennedy Center. He completely blew me away. I was really hoping this production would find its way East so I could see it. I'm delighted to hear your report Erika!

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Wish I could get to this. One of my favorite plays, and as far as I'm concerned Len Cariou is as fine a stage actor as I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot of great actors).

Erika - I'm seeing this tomorrow night (Friday). I've had the tickets for months, as it's truly one of my favorite plays. When I found out who was in the cast about 3 weeks ago, I almost passed out. I'm VERY excited, and glad you had such a memorable experience.

pem - it's a classic - as something I read earlier today called it, "The play that made Arthur Miller Arthur Miller."

I really consider it part of a trio of his works (along with THE CRUCIBLE and DEATH OF A SALESMAN) that makes him one of the best playwrites ever.

Len Cariou is a theatre god. I adore him.

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My daughter and i both love Laurie Metcalf's work from Roseanne and would love to see her live in something. How was she in this Erika? Whenever we see her in something reeltime we have terrible problems disassociating her from Jackie...

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Updated On: 4/21/06 at 03:04 PM