#1
Posted: 10/28/06 at 11:33pm
After subjecting myself to Roundabout's last snooze-fest, HEARTBREAK HOUSE, I was more than a little suspect of this one.
SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER is one of Tennessee Williams' best and most personal plays (and his most poetic, I believe) and it is truly wonderful and thrilling to have it back on the boards. It is especially thrilling with - at least what looks like on paper - a first rate cast.
First, Blythe Danner is just splendid as Mrs. Venable. I do question her accent, but overall, her performance is incredibly focused and solid. There was a moment in the beginning of the show when she actually called for a line - which was more than a little awkward - but she quickly took control and basically made you forgive her. She isn't as brilliant as she could be - but for literally just beginning previews, I have no doubt that her performance will grow into something quite extraordinary. Though I do think that she needs some pushing, all preconceptions aside, she is giving one of the most solid performances I have seen in quite some time.
Gale Harold deserves praise for taking on such a play, but unfortunately, he comes off like a guppie in a sea full of sharks. He's trying - that's evident - and it's almost cute to see him try- but there are moments when you could close your eyes and swear you were hearing Keanu Reeves. Completely amateur in every sense of the word. A new Dr. "Sugar" Cukrowicz would indeed help bring this production to the level it has the capability to be at.
Carla Gugino is an absolute gem. She hasn't quite burst into Hollywood stardom yet, but she is absolutely becoming one of New York's strongest actresses. The only salvagable aspect of AFTER THE FALL, she is - as she was there - the biggest asset to this production. Okay sure, maybe her accent could use some work here and there - but the raw sex and emotion that she emits throughout the show is enough to take your breath away. She is a gorgeous woman, and a gorgeous actress - and she should be applauded and commended for her heart stopping performance here.
The supporting cast of Karen Walsh, Wayne Wilcox, Becky Ann Baker, and Sandra Shipley all do fine work - though Becky Ann Baker seems a bit erratic.
Again, it should be noted that the accents here are all over the place. Blythe Danner's is British, Gale Harold doesn't have one, and Carla Gugino is Southern. Wayne Wilcox and Becky Ann Baker are also Southern, but with a different twang. It really makes you question the talents of not only dialect coach Deborah Hecht, but also the keen eye of director Mark Brokaw.
It seems that the homosexual undertones have been tamed here. Of course, the text is all there - but the emphasis has changed. It didn't totally detract from the impact of the piece, but it certainly makes Mrs. Venable's steadfast intentions slightly more suspect.
The final moments of the show will take your breath away, and leave you wanting more. Thanks to the splendid lighting design of David Weiner, the final moments of the play unfold beautifully. Santo Loquasto should also be applauded for his always excellent costumes and lighting.
Is this a definitive production of SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER? Absolutely not. It is, however, an extremely rewarding production of a brilliant play not often produced. I absolutely urge you to get tickets - it is not to be missed. In an industry plagued with Witches, Grinches, dancing cutlery, ABBA, singing apes,and a traveling circus - this production is surely a breath of fresh air.
4/5 stars.
SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER is one of Tennessee Williams' best and most personal plays (and his most poetic, I believe) and it is truly wonderful and thrilling to have it back on the boards. It is especially thrilling with - at least what looks like on paper - a first rate cast.
First, Blythe Danner is just splendid as Mrs. Venable. I do question her accent, but overall, her performance is incredibly focused and solid. There was a moment in the beginning of the show when she actually called for a line - which was more than a little awkward - but she quickly took control and basically made you forgive her. She isn't as brilliant as she could be - but for literally just beginning previews, I have no doubt that her performance will grow into something quite extraordinary. Though I do think that she needs some pushing, all preconceptions aside, she is giving one of the most solid performances I have seen in quite some time.
Gale Harold deserves praise for taking on such a play, but unfortunately, he comes off like a guppie in a sea full of sharks. He's trying - that's evident - and it's almost cute to see him try- but there are moments when you could close your eyes and swear you were hearing Keanu Reeves. Completely amateur in every sense of the word. A new Dr. "Sugar" Cukrowicz would indeed help bring this production to the level it has the capability to be at.
Carla Gugino is an absolute gem. She hasn't quite burst into Hollywood stardom yet, but she is absolutely becoming one of New York's strongest actresses. The only salvagable aspect of AFTER THE FALL, she is - as she was there - the biggest asset to this production. Okay sure, maybe her accent could use some work here and there - but the raw sex and emotion that she emits throughout the show is enough to take your breath away. She is a gorgeous woman, and a gorgeous actress - and she should be applauded and commended for her heart stopping performance here.
The supporting cast of Karen Walsh, Wayne Wilcox, Becky Ann Baker, and Sandra Shipley all do fine work - though Becky Ann Baker seems a bit erratic.
Again, it should be noted that the accents here are all over the place. Blythe Danner's is British, Gale Harold doesn't have one, and Carla Gugino is Southern. Wayne Wilcox and Becky Ann Baker are also Southern, but with a different twang. It really makes you question the talents of not only dialect coach Deborah Hecht, but also the keen eye of director Mark Brokaw.
It seems that the homosexual undertones have been tamed here. Of course, the text is all there - but the emphasis has changed. It didn't totally detract from the impact of the piece, but it certainly makes Mrs. Venable's steadfast intentions slightly more suspect.
The final moments of the show will take your breath away, and leave you wanting more. Thanks to the splendid lighting design of David Weiner, the final moments of the play unfold beautifully. Santo Loquasto should also be applauded for his always excellent costumes and lighting.
Is this a definitive production of SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER? Absolutely not. It is, however, an extremely rewarding production of a brilliant play not often produced. I absolutely urge you to get tickets - it is not to be missed. In an industry plagued with Witches, Grinches, dancing cutlery, ABBA, singing apes,and a traveling circus - this production is surely a breath of fresh air.
4/5 stars.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
