A Life in the Theatre
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Cititour.com Review
When it’s funny, it’s very funny. But even at ninety minutes, David Mamet’s early play, "A Life in the Theatre," a two-handed comedy now on Broadway with the great Patrick Stewart (most recently on the boards as a shattering "Macbeth"), and the baby-faced T.R. Knight (best known for TV’s "Grey’s Anatomy"), inexplicably drags.
The play is a sequence of short scenes all taking place backstage at a repertory-style theatre. Stewart, as Robert, is the wise old pro and Knight, as John, a young actor just starting out. Stewart fills every pause with the greatest of intensity. His Robert is not so much a foolish, pompous windbag as an arrogant thespian with little to show for in life other than his keen grasp of the use of spirit gum. As usual, he’s remarkable, making the audience believe that they’re watching a third-rate actor when indeed, Stewart is at the top of his game. He has so much stage presence that it’s difficult for Knight to keep up. For his part, the younger actor is giving a fine performance. But the part itself is underwritten and there’s only so much he can do opposite such a powerhouse.
Laura Bauer’s parade of costumes for the ‘play within a play’ scenes arrive with their own sense of humor. Santo Loquasto’s set, cleverly lit by Kenneth Posner, provides a great optical illusion of the repertory theatre house, as well as the prop-filled wing-space, giving it all a terrific dusty and cavernous quality.
Anyone who has ever spent time in the cast, or on the crew, of a school or community theatre will appreciate the vocal exercises, panic about missed cues, and superstitions that pervade the art form. Mamet even tosses off his frustration at the drama critics who, “don’t even buy a ticket.”
Director Neil Pepe has certainly focused the humorous moments here - some play as sleekly as a much loved vaudeville routine. But the play itself is simply uneven. Mamet’s signature rapid-fire profane dialogue has been replaced by sentimental postures, and although watching Patrick Stewart is a true delight, "A Life in the Theatre," struggles to succeed.
By Lesley Alexander
Cast
Patrick Stewart, T.R. Knight
Open/Close Dates
Opening 9/21/2010
Closing 11/28/2010
Box Office
212-239-6200
Theatre Info
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
236 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
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