This turns out to be the first revival for Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Alison's House since its original Broadway production that included Eva Le Gallienne. A new trove of Emily Dickinson's poetry had just come out in 1929; and in response, author Susan Glaspell created this fantasy (with all names and places changed) about love's many expressions. Set on December 31st of 1899, the principal action revolves around a heretofore hidden collection of Alison's poems revealing an unrequited passion verging on the indecent, at least for Alison's aging sister Agatha (Ann Hillary).
While Agatha and others are determined to keep this aspect of the poet secret, an out-of town reporter Richard (David Fitzgerald) charms the family secretary Ann (Sharron Bower) into helping him uncover some of the truth. Clearly under the influence of an unexpected reconciliation with estranged daughter Elsa (Karla Mason) and also by Ann and Richard's budding romance, Alison's brother and head of family (Lee Moore) ultimately adjudicates in favor of preserving the newly-found poems.
One has the feeling the last bit of conviction that would have made this revival convincing eludes director Linda Ames Key and her cast. This is too bad, because in spite of the script's high sentimentality index, it is well written and offers good characterization and numerous humorous moments. Most notable among the actors are Sharon Bower as the enthusiastic Ann (in an appropriately understated period garb courtesy Moe Schell) and David Fitzgerald as Richard, her earnest new beau, reporter and amateur poet. Karla Mason breathes humanity into Glaspell's balanced view of the companionable poet, unlike our age which has locked Alison (Emily) away in her room in a severe white dress. Compliments also to Matt Opatrny as the younger son Ted and to Ruth Kulerrman as Stanhope maid Jenny. K Maynard's selection of furniture is apt with the poet's bedroom matching photos of the actual room, and Mark T. Simpson's lighting is appropriately naturalistic.
