Theatre Chit Chat
That's Your Opinion...Here's mine
Man and Boy
At the American Airline Theatre located at 227 West 42nd Street. The play runs from October 16, 2011 to November 27, 2011.
Frank Langella is starring in the role as Gregor Antonescu. He last role on Broadway was in the 2008 revival of "A Man Of All Seasons".
Mr Langella played Richard Nixon in Frost/Nixon in London's West End, Gielgud Theatre in August 2006 and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor.
On March 31, 2007 the play began previews at the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre. It ran from April 22, 2007 to August 19, 2007 after 137 performances. Mr Langella won a Tony for this role. He also won a Tony for "Seascape" and "Fortunes Fools".
In 2008 he made the film version of the play which was directed by Ron Howard. He was nominated for a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award for his performance.. The Academy Award went to Sean Penn for "Milk".
The play takes place in 1934 in a basement apartment located in Greenwich Village, New York.
Basil Anthony (Adam Driver) , a night club piano player lives in the apartment. He's a distant young man with a drinking problem. His girlfriend Carol Penn ( Virginia Kull) can't get him to commit to anything.
The story focuses on a visit from his father Gregor Antonescu (Frank Langella) who he hasn't seen in five years or wants to.
There is tension between them. His father is a ruthless , non loving, manipulating, two faced, not to be trusted human being. His past is finally catching up to him.
Sven Johnson (Michael Siberry) works for Gregor as a protective force not to be reckon with. But when the chips are down he makes sure he's protected. He doesn't want to be blamed as being part of the web of deceit.
The cast works well together. Frank Langella is excellent as a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde person, though sometimes I felt like it was a little campy. Michael Siberry did well as his employee.
David Beeston (Brian Hutchison) is the accountant working for Mark Herries (Zach Grenier). Mark is an associate of Gregor. Brian's role may be small but for a moment it seems like he is the only one on stage. His performance holds your attention.
Francesca Faridany, (Countess Antonescu), Virginisa Hull and Zach Grenier were enjoyable to watch.
Review by Rozanna Radakovich.
Photos by Annzor