Ms. Hellman is mostly known for being a bad ass woman writer. She's written The Children's Hour, The Little Foxes, Toys in the Attic, and her play Children's Hour was made into an awesome movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Shirley Mcclaine.
As soon as I walked into the theatre I suddenly became transported to 1880 Alabama. The house is painted a fresh white, the terrace is elaborate and rich looking, and the outside patio is fit for Scarlett O' Hara. The warm lighting in the background looks like an early rising sun, and you can tell it's going to be a hot day in the south.
The show begins and my first thought is "Fantastic dialect work". You get it all: The slow drawl of the rich business man, the high pitch whine of a Southern Belle, the deep reassuring tones of the slaves fill your ears and make you want to grab a glass of sweet mint tea and jaw with the family for a spell.
Dan Wackerman's blocking is natural while observing all the proper mannerisms for Alabama in 1880.
The ACTING!!!!
*Sherman Howard, fresh off his previous run of Miller's "All My Sons" Broadway production, is the standout in his role of Marcus Hubbard. He is humorous and charismatic in one second, and a red-faced murderous bastard in the next. You both want to bed him and punch him in the face for his treatment towards his wife Lavinia.
*Elizabeth Norment is exceptional this week as the abused dog of a wife. She's done work on the West coast too! You might have recognized her work at OSF in Ashland. She is a great example of a tragically flawed character.
*The children are of the same mold. Regina's mutual lust for her father and spoiled demeanor is perfectly protrayed by one Stephanie Wright Thompson. She is remarkable in presence and I know I liked her because I was coveting her spot on stage.
*The breakthrough performance of the night goes to Ben Curtis as Oscar Hubbard, the youngest brother.
*My one problem with the play? Length. It's two hours and forty minutes (with a ten minute intermission), so if you live in Middle Village, you will be home late. It's totally worth it though.
GRADE FOR "ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST": B+++
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