The Roundabout is now presenting John van Druten's 1940 romantic comedy Old Acquaintance on Broadway, directed by Michael Wilson, and it's mostly lots of fun.
Harriet Harris is a great farceur (farceuse?), and her over-the-top portrayal of an idiotic, narcissistic pop writer lifts the entertainment level of the play and drives the show. Her literary-writing closest friend, in love with a younger man, is played by the beautiful Margaret Colin in a solid performance. Corey Stoll is fine as the young man.
Then there is Diane Davis as the nineteen-year-old daughter of Harris who gives a shrill, repellant performance - it's hard to believe anyone would fall in love with this unappealing flibberty-gibbet.
The set by Alexander Dodge is super in its detail, lighting by Rui Rita and costumes by David C. Woolard are just right.
Old Acquaintance is really an old fashioned drawing room soap, so it loses needed intimacy in this huge theater, but we become caught up in van Druten's dialogue, and basically enjoy the show.
Previews:
June 1, 2007
Opened:
June 28, 2007
Ended:
August 19, 2007
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Roundabout Theater Company
Theater Type:
Broadway
Theater:
American Airlines Theater
Theater Address:
227 West 42nd Street
Phone:
(212) 719-1300
Running Time:
2 hrs, 15 min
Genre:
Comedy
Director:
Michael Wilson
Review:
Parental:
adult themes
Cast:
Harriet Harris, Margaret Colin, Stephen Bogardus, Diane Davis, Corey Stoll (Rudd), Cynthia Darlow (Susan), Gordana Rashovich (Karina).
Technical:
Set: Alexander Dodge; Lighting: Rui Rita; Music/Sound: John Gromada; Costumes: David C. Woolard
Other Critics:
PERFORMING ARTS INSIDER David Lefkowitz ?
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
June 2007
