Harrison, TX: Three Plays by Horton Foote– what a theatrical treat!
The first one, Blind Date, takes place in 1928 where a date has been secured for a reclusive, generally negative young woman (Andrea Lynn Green) by her relative (Hallie Foote) with her husband (Devon Abner) mostly interested in his dinner. The young man (Evan Jonigkeit) tries to communicate with the girl by playing games. It is a perfect cast, with Ms Foote giving a brilliant, mannered performance. There is a rare pleasure spending time with Foote’s reflections of reality in the world of his characters, taking it one step beyond ordinary reality to create a gentle new believable theatricality that rings humanly true. It’s a gem.
The second play, The One-Armed Man, also placed in 1928, is a splash of an idea -- a hyper-dramatic tangent from anything I’ve seen of Foote’s work: a violent confrontation between a psychotic one-armed man (the dynamic, scary Alexander Cendese) and his former employer (Jeremy Bobb). Devon Abner rounds out another perfect cast. It’s a gripping, surprise piece of Foote’s canon with terrific performances.
Midnight Caller, set in 1952, takes place in a boarding house, where a group of basically semi-functioning people live. This group includes the wonderful Jayne Houdyshell, the lively neurotic Mary Bacon, and two new elements brought into the mix of tenants: the very attractive Jenny Dare Paulin and Jeremy Bobb. Andrea Lynn Green shines in a role totally contrasting with her one in Blind Date. Hallie Foote and Alexander Cendese have small (but vital) roles in this play in which each character is clearly defined in a masterful theatrical production.
The trilogy is directed with great style and sensitivity by Pam MacKinnon on a well-designed set by Marion Williams, beautifully lighted by Tyler Micoleau. Costumes by Kaye Voyce are perfect.
Horton Foote was one of America’s greatest playwrights, and Harrison, TX is a prime example of his work.
