I was at the preview this evening and I was absolutely captivated by this lovely play. The acting is top notch and the play not only gives one much food for thought, but is emotionally charged as well.
This was my first exposure to the piece. The entire play takes place in Kyra's (Mulligan) apartment over the course of one winter evening a few weeks before Christmas. She has two visitors that night that stir up past events and unhealed wounds, with Tom (Nighy) spending the majority of the time with her. The past is peeled back very slowly and spoiling it would ruin the fun. Though a revival, the lengthy discussions on class, wealth, the economy and education feel very relevant. Mulligan nails several monologues in act two, and her righteousness is expertly undercut by the nagging questions to the motivation why she has made the changes in her life that she goes on about.
Of course the proceedings aren't all heavy; Nighy is wildly funny and prompted many a big laugh from the crowd. He and Mulligan has developed quite a rhythm with each other and sometimes they forget to pause long enough for the laughter to subside before jumping into the next verbal volley. I realize they don't want to let the pace lag, but they've got to take some break or the beginning of the next line is lost.
Stephen Daldry has bestowed two gems on us this season; both shows easily rank as two of my favorites and I hope the recognition that both are due come rolling in as nominations for award season are soon announced. Daldry's direction isn't flashy, but it's effective and really it's all about the performances he helped mold and his allowance for the text to be one of the stars as well.
I was quite moved and my friend and I agreed that this was an excellent way to spend an evening in the theater.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!