THE BASICS: This play by Tony Kushner (ANGELS IN AMERICA) with a very long title is also a very long play, and while it takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes (including two intermissions) it never drags for a minute. It’s at the Studio Theatre, adjacent to the larger Festival Theatre and while self-contained with a mini-bar, coffee service, and restrooms, while I was there patrons were able to wander across the patio and use the more spacious lobby, restrooms, and coffee and alcohol service of the Festival Theatre. It depends on the timing of the other show. 3 hours, 50 minutes. Two intermissions. Through October 10th.
THUMBNAIL SKETCH: Set for the most part in the Marcantonio family home in Brooklyn, in this play Gus Marcantonio, the patriarch, has had a brush with death and so his three adult children and their spouses come back home, each with his or her own special dysfunctional baggage. Think CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF meets MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING. There are serious themes developed, but the Shaw is no stranger to a thinking person’s play, and with deft scene changes and a blend of intimate two person dialogs all the way to big ensemble arguments, almost four hours seems like one. When it’s over, you won’t want to leave.
THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION: Even though I saw the play in previews, I feel that this is The Shaw Festival at its finest. Every element of stage craft – casting, blocking, direction, lighting, costumes, and those Shaw sets (how do they do it, over and over again?) combine for theater magic.
To me, one of the hallmarks of great theater is when I feel that each actor was born to his or her role, that they are so believable that you can’t imagine that they are actors. Jim Mezon plays Gus with a combination of toughness (he’s a retired longshoreman and union organizer) and vulnerability. Steven Sutcliffe plays Pier Luigi Marcantonio, the older son, nicknamed P.L. which is pronounced “Pill” and he is a pill. He is gay with a serious long-time relationship with Paul (well played by Andre Sills) which he keeps jeopardizing (along with the regard of his family) by continuing to visit Eli, the hustler that you can’t help but like. This leads to some great two person scenes between, throughout the play, Gus, Pill, Adam, and Eli.
Kelli Fox plays Maria Teresa Marcantonio, nicknamed M.T. which is pronounced “Empty,” and while she has a lesbian lover (pregnant with donated sperm) named Maeve (Diana Donnelly), she also can’t let go completely of her former (straight) husband Adam (played by Tom Marriott). And then there is Vic, blue collar like his dad, who struts and frets upon the stage so ably as played by Gray Powell.
I could go on, but I’m afraid I’ve already given away some of the surprises. Mostly what I want to convey is that this is great theater; it’s about a big family so it should be relatable to almost everyone who either grew up in one or knew one growing up; and that after you see it you will be grabbing people by the lapels and telling them that they only have until October 10th to see it. And, don’t worry that you won’t remember the title exactly. Nobody does. The title is clever, but the play’s the thing.
*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)
ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.
TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.
THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.
FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!