A Catered Affair, based on Paddy Chayefsky's teleplay, now with a book by Harvey Fierstein and with music and lyrics by John Bucchino-- what a pleasure! A show with content, clever counterpoints of action, sweet lyrics with non-obvious rhymes, engagingly constructed music, and a great cast.
The setup is simple: should a poor, working-class family spend their last dollar on a big wedding? Faith Prince, as the mother, is brilliant and fully immersed in her character. Tom Wopat is fine as the father, and Harvey Fierstein is not immersed at all but very entertaining as the uncle. The young couple, Leslie Kritzer and Matt Cavenaugh are lovely. David Gallo's set is extraordinary, as is the lighting by Brian MacDevitt. Costumes by Ann Hould-Ward are perfect. It's all exquisitely directed by John Doyle.
A musical with depth, feeling and high-level artistry in all areas; not mere entertainment, but still totally entertaining. A 95 minute masterpiece.
Previews:
March 25, 2008
Opened:
April 17, 2008
Ended:
July 27, 2008
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Jujamcyn Theaters, Jordan Roth, Harvey Entertainment/Ron Fierstein, Richie Jackson, Daryl Roth, John O'Boyle/Ricky Stevens/ Davis-Tolentino, Barbra Russell/Ron Sharpe in assoc w/ Frankel Baruch-Viertel Group, Broadway Across America, True Love Productions, Rick Steiner/Mayerson/Bell-Staton/Osher Group, Jan Kallish, Stacey Mindich & Rhoda Mayerson
Theater Type:
Broadway
Theater:
Walter Kerr Theater
Theater Address:
219 West 48 Street
Phone:
212-239-6200
Running Time:
1 hr, 45 min
Genre:
Musical
Director:
John Bucchino
Review:
Cast:
Tom Wopat, Faith Prince (Aggie), Harvey Fierstein (Winston), Matt Cavenaugh (Ralph), Leslie Kritzer (Jane), Philip Hoffman, Katie Klaus, Heather MacRae, Lori Wilner, Kristine Zbornik.
Technical:
Set: David Gallo; Costumes: Ann Hould-Ward; Lighting: Brian MacDevitt; Sound: Dan Moses Schreier; Proj: Zachary Borovay; Orch: Don Sebesky; Hair: David Lawrence.
Other Critics:
PERFORMINGARTSINSIDER David Lefkowitz 5/08 +
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
May 2008
