Hershey Felder as "Monsieur Chopin," courtesy of Laguna Playhouse.
The Mark Taper Forum has been criticized for “playing it safe” during the recession. Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to see great theatre there. “The Subject Was Roses” isn’t exactly cutting edge but the Taper isn’t cutting any corners in their stunning production of the Pulitzer prize-winning play by Frank D. Gilroy, now on the boards through March 21.
Unlike Arthur Miller—whose “The Price” is running in a first-rate revival at Theatre West through March 7—Gilroy doesn’t beat around the proverbial rose bush, thorns and all. There isn’t an extraneous word in this drama, which takes place in the Bronx in 1946 and focuses on the relationships between John Cleary, a fervent Catholic, his soft-spoken wife Nettie and their son Timmy, who quickly wears out his hero’s welcome on his return from the army. (A bit of anti-Semitic sentiment could’ve been snipped however, without being missed).
Martin Sheen’s star power may sell the lion’s share of the tickets but Frances Conroy and Brian Geraghty are his match as Nettie and Timmy, and the combination is dynamite. If Geraghty is the slightest bit intimidated in sharing the stage with Sheen—who played Timmy in the original 1964 production and subsequent film version—it is not apparent; it’s a powerful performance from a young actor (currently on screen in “The Hurt Locker”) clearly on his way up. Call 213-628-2772 for tickets.
If you missed Hershey Felder in “George Gershwin Alone” at Laguna Playhouse, you missed a stellar solo performance. His portrayal of the 19th century’s “poet of the piano” in “Monsieur Chopin” is no less exemplary, but hurry on down—it’s an abbreviated run that’s scheduled to close in Laguna Beach March 7. (He’ll return in “Beethoven As I Knew Him” May 11-23).
Every note of Felder’s Chopin, from one moment to the next, is as meticulously timed as a musical composition. You’ll get to know the Polish composer intimately, as he shares secrets about his love affair with the most famous woman in Paris and much else. The show is full of unexpected comic and dramatic elements; Felder’s wit shines through to the concluding interactive segment, where he takes questions from the audience. Call 949-487-2787.
More from Jordan:
LA Theatre 101: What’s up at Ahmanson Theatre for 2010?
Toss a Monkey Wrench in your theatre plans; catch a ‘Hanging’ at Mysterium
OC Theatre 101: The best of 2009
Cinemagician: Film director Carroll Ballard (“The Black Stallion”)
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