Clifford Odets'
passionate, funny and heartbreaking masterpiece about the hopes and struggles
of a lower-middle-class, three-generation Jewish family living in a Bronx
apartment during the Great Depression continues to resonate after 81 years.
Now
the Odyssey
Theatre’s critically acclaimed 2015 revival is back by popular
demand! This classic family drama, with its theme of parental expectations attempting
to crush the dreams of the younger members, is perhaps even more pertinent
today than when it first premiered in 1935. It’s the story of every struggling
American family torn between the parents’ lofty ambitions and the children’s
fight to find a voice. 
Among the superb cast reprising
their roles are Marilyn Fox as the powerful matriarch; Allan Miller as her
old-Commie dad; Robert Lesser as her timid husband; Richard Fancy as her
wealthy brother; Melissa Paladino and James Morosini as her beleaguered children.
Rounding out the cast are Dennis Madden, Jason Huber, Cameron Jappe and Al Rossi.
Under Elina de Santos' excellent direction this revival is powered by performances where
Odets’ voice rings through every character. Pete Hickok provides a neatly
designed and handsome 1930’s apartment, while Leigh Allen adds highly effective
lighting. Kim DeShazo’s costumes are right on for the period.
The arrangement
of the theatre, in which the audience sits on both sides of the stage, lends
itself to this production and makes the experience more involving.
At the Odyssey Theatre, 2055
S. Sepulveda Blvd. West LA, August 27-Oct 2. Tickets at (310) 477-2055 ext. 2
or www.OdysseyTheatre.com
Also printed in the
September issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY
No comments:
Post a Comment