Hobson's Choice, Harold Brighouse's 1915 play about a bootmaker and his three unmarried daughters, is an enjoyable peek into the marriage customs of the time and seems to be an early voice for the value of a person for himself rather than for his position. And it can be viewed as an early feminist statement as Martha Plimpton runs the family and makes a man out of a mouse (David Aaron Baker) -- two fine performances. The entire cast is good, but the over-the-top Brian Murray, who performs rather than acts, is a jarring, unrealistic note, although often quite entertaining.
Clear direction by David Warren, sets by Derek McLane, costumes by Laura Bauer and lighting by Kenneth Posner are all first rate.
Opened:
January 10, 2002
Ended:
February 10, 2002
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Atlantic Theater Company
Theater Type:
off-Broadway
Theater:
Atlantic Theater
Theater Address:
336 West 20th Street
Phone:
(212) 239-6200
Running Time:
2 hrs, 15 min
Genre:
Comedy
Director:
David Warren
Review:
Cast:
David Aaron Baker, Katie Carr, Jim Frangione, Austin Lysy, Peter Maloney, Aedin Moloney, Brian Murray, Darren Pettie, Martha Plimpton, Judith Roberts, Amy Wilson, Christopher Wynkoop
Technical:
Sets: Derek McLane; Costumes: Laura Bauer; Lighting: Kenneth Posner; Orig. Music & Sound: Fitz Patton; Casting: Bernard Telsey Casting; PSM: Thomas Borchard; Prod Mgr: Kurt Gardner; General Manager: Ryan Freeman; PR: Boneau/Bryan-Brown
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
January 2002