Love and regrets in "A Dish For The Gods"

"The Portrait of Dorian Grey" comes to mind, in which Dorian's youthfulness is dependent on his portrait's aging.

Kevin Cristaldi as Greg and Margot White as Julia in Victor L. Cahn's "A Dish For The Gods" in a Rachel Reiner Production at Theatre Row's Lion through October 5th. Photo by Jon Kandel.

In Victor L. Cahn's new play "A Dish For The Gods," at The Lion in Theatre Row through  October 5th, the balance of success is scaled so that the acolyte's career soars while her mentor's fails.

Julia (Margot White), invited to lecture on women writers, reminisces about her one great love, Greg (Kevin Cristaldi,) who nurtured her growing ambitions and interests as a writer and academic.

Remembering her first encounters with the charismatic Greg, she says "A lot of people assumed that his manic energy manifested some demon inside. Young women were especially prone to this judgment. Our pipeline also clarified that he was single and … how can I put this … energetic. As at least three women in our offices could testify personally."

Julia found with time that she blossomed into a world-renowned writer and lecturer under Greg's inspiration. But as she flourished, Greg floundered.

Margot White as Julia with Kevin Cristaldi as Greg in "A Dish For The Gods." Photo by Jon Kandel.

Director Adam Fitzgerald does Cahn's excellent play credit, seamlessly bringing the past into the present as Julia winds her tale of  love and loss. A simple set, designed by David Arsenault, serves the many venues "A Dish For The Gods" inhabits.

Margot White and Kevin Cristaldi are both excellent in this two hander. She tells her story so naturally that it feels as if it were ex-tempore. He gracefully swings from mood to mood, first the manic popular professor then the defeated drunk.

You will have no regrets seeing "A Dish For The Gods."

For more information about "A Dish For The Gods," visit www.RachelReiner.com, or www.theatrerow.org/. For tickets, go to www.Telecharge.com. At the box office, you may purchase the tickets for the bargain rate of $19.25.

Flaunting convention: GSB's specialty

The polemical isn't always preachy.

Sean McNall as Mr. Valentine is demonstrative with Amelia Pedlow's Gloria Clandon. Dan Daily as Walter Boon, the waiter aka William in The Pearl's production of GSB's "You Never Can Tell." Photo by Al Foote III.

Sometimes, as in George Bernard Shaw's  "You Never Can Tell," in a charming production by The Pearl Theatre Company in cooperation with the Gingold Theatrical Group whose Artisitic Director David Staller directs this presentation at the Pearl's home on W42nd through October 17, it's keen and cheeky.

Sean McNall, Ben Charles, Emma Wisniewski, Zachary Spicer, Dominic Cuskern. Photo by Al Foote III.

One expects a George Bernard Shaw play to avow socialism and eschew class, and uphold the view that women rule over men; these POVs show up in so much of what he wrote, even "Pygmalion," the play on which "My Fair Lady" rests. They are on display also in the seldom-seen and lesser known "You Never Can Tell." 

Robin Leslie Brown is Mrs. Margaret Clandon in GSB's "You Never Can Tell." Photo by Al Foote III.

In "You Never Can Tell," Mrs. Margaret Clandon (Robin Leslie Brown) returns from an eighteen year exile in Madeira to an English seaside town. With her are her children Dolly (Emma Wisniewski), Philip (Ben Charles) and Gloria (Amelia Pedlow.) The two younger, Dolly and Ben are untamed and wild. It is an unabashed pleasure to watch newcomer Emma Wisniewski scampering about.

Mrs. Clandon earns an esteemable income and some celebrity from a series of books about 20th century manners in which she flaunts convention and espouses liberation for women. She has attained some of that liberation for herself, as she has succeeded in separating from her marriage without actually ending it.

Sean McNall as the dentist Mr. Valentine with Emma Wisniewski as Dolly Clandon in "You Never Can Tell" by George Bernard Shaw. Photo by Al Foote III.

Mrs. Clandon has raised her children to be independent. Her eldest, Gloria was brought up with a belief in her emancipation as a woman. Gloria's self-reliance does not hold up so well when Dolly introduces her to her  new dentist, Mr. Valentine (Sean McNall.)

Mr. Valentine (Sean McNall) and Miss Gloria Clandon (Amelia Pedlow). Photo by Al Foote III.

Mr. Valentine, reduced to dentistry after several failed attempts at other medical practices, suffers from an excess of levity and a shortage of funds. He is so poor that he is forced to dupe his landlord, Fergus Crampton (Bradford Cover), in order to cover his past rent.

The first act of "You Never Can Tell" tends to mystify. But oh, when it all becomes clear in the second act, what a delight.

Rounding out the superior ensemble are Dan Daily as Walter Boon, called William by Miss Dolly; Zachary Spicer as Walter Bohun, a distinguished attorney brought in to mediate a case for Mrs. Clandon by her solicitor, Finch McComas (Dominic Cuskern). Barbar Bell has designed a plethora of lovely costumes for
the cast to wear in Harry Feiner's lovely sets.

L-to-R, seated Dolly (Emma Wisniewski), Fergus Crampton (Bradford Cover), Gloria (Amelia Pedlow), Mr. Valentine (Sean McNall), Mrs. Margaret Clandon (Robin Leslie Brown), with Philip Clandon (Ben Charles) directly behind her. Standing L-to-R, Finch mcComas (Dominic Cuskern), Walter Bohun (Zachary Spicer), and Walter Boon (Dan Daily). Photo by Al Foote III. 

"You Never Can Tell" is as sparkling a production as the champagne uncorked for all to sip at the curtain.

For more information about "You Never Can Tell," please visit The Pearl's website.

"Nobody Loves You" Is Very Lovable

Imagine life as one big dating competition in which losers and winners are chosen by popular vote.

Rory O'Malley as Dominic, Bryan Frankart as Jeff, Autumn Hurlbert as Samantha, Roe Hartrapf as Christian, Lauren Molina as Megan, and Heath Calvert as Byron in the 2nd Stage production of Moses and Alter's "Nobody Loves You."
Photo by Joan Marcus.

Itamar Moses' and Gaby Alter's "Nobody Loves You," at Second Stage Theatre through August 11th, is about just such a love-off.

"Nobody Loves You" is an endearing musical which satirizes that pop culture phenomenon in which we make our most private moments, public.

Aleque Reid as Jenny and Rory O'Malley as Evan in "Nobody Loves You" by Itamar Moses and Gaby Alter at 2nd Stage Theatre. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Moses, book and lyrics, and Alter, music and lyrics, have created characters you can care for in their good-clean making-fun-of comedy. Neatly directed by Michelle Tattenbaum with nice choreography by Mandy Moore, "Nobody Loves You," is well-staged, insightful and funny.

Adorable leads, Jeff (Bryan Fenkart) and Jenny (Aleque Reid) meet when Jeff joins the cast of the show within the show, "Nobody Loves You," to win back his ex, Tanya (Leslie Kritzer.) Jenny, the assistant to the producer, Nina (Leslie Kritzer again),  is as cynical about the show as Jeff is. MCing the over-the-top competition is the pretty and vapid Byron (Heath Calvert,) whose moves are as smooth as his silky voice.

Heath Calvert as Byron, Leslie Kritzer as Nina, and Bryan Fenkart as Jeff in "Nobody Loves You." Photo by Joan Marcus.

Kritzer's Nina is a barracuda who cajoles and threatens cast and staff with equal parts sweetness and guile.
Like Kritzer, who takes on her third role in a cameo as Zenobia the day she is kicked off the program, Rory O'Malley shows his versatility as Chaz/Dominic/and especially Evan. O'Malley, a Tony nominee for "The Book Of Mormon," is splendid as superfan Evan who tweets during the broadcasts.

And don't forget to vote for Autumn Hurlbert's spunky Samantha and  Lauren Molina's fierce all-in Megan! Theirs are just two more standout performances in a fabulous cast, which also includes the very appealing Roe Hartrampf as the charming Chrisitan.

Bryan Fenkart as Jeff and Heath Calvert as Byron in a scene from "Nobody Loves You." Photo by Joan Marcus.

What could have  been a cheap shot at the easy target of reality television and its many excesses proves to be a very intelligent musical work. Like Cupid's arrow, "Nobody Loves You" hits the mark but doesn't sting.

For more information and a schedule for "Nobody Loves You," please visit www.2st.com.

The Time's They Are A-Changin' or Are They?

There was a time, not so long ago, when being in an interracial relationship was actually dangerous.

Sheldon Best as David at 22 and Auden Thornton as Stace at 22 in "Years of Sky" at 59 E59. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

"Years of Sky," directed by Christopher Scott at 59E59 Theaters through March 10th, follows the lives of a pair of star-crossed teens.

Amy Hargreaves as Stace at 45 and Gano Grills as David at 45 in "Years of Sky" at 59E59. Photo : Carol Rosegg.

Stace (Auden Thornton) stays true to the dream that she and David (Sheldon Best) can be together in JFK's more-perfect world. David's love for her is never completely derailed by other allegiances. By the time they reunite as adults in 1992, David (Gano Grills) is married, and Stace (Amy Hargreaves) is still idealistic.

Barbara Blatner's bitter-sweet love story plays out over three decades of change and stasis in American society. When they meet again after thirty years, David asks Stace, "In the course a' your day, ya ever find yourself thinkin' - 'I'm white?'

Auden Thornton (Stace at 22)., Tood Davis (Ben) and Sheldon Best  (David at 22).
Photo by Carol Rosegg.

The cleverly executed sets, constructed by The Ken Larson Co. from Rebecca Phillips fine designs, make excellent use of the small space in 59E59's Theater C.

Among the personable ensemble, Auden Thornton as Stace at 17 and 22, Amy Hargreaves as Stace grown-up and Sheldon Best as the younger David are standouts.  Todd Davis rounds out the cast as David's dad, Ben.

For more information and tickets for "Years of Sky," please visit www.59e59.org.

Love Goes Underground in "The Man Under"

L-R: Briana Pozner and Paul Bomba in THE MAN UNDER at 59E59 Theaters. 
Photo by Bitten By A Zebra Photography

Some of us need a jolt to come out of a deep funk.

In "Man Under," presented by Athena Theatre at 59E59 Theaters through February 17th, a depressed young man is enlivened by an odd encounter.

Jeff (Paul Bomba, also the author) walks around in a fog of grief, worrying his friends, Martin (Curran Connor) and Jennifer (Veronique Ory). Martin is thrilled to help Jeff find the girl he met on a subway platform and Jennifer wonders how exactly they are searching for this stranger. 

L-R: Briana Pozner, Paul Bomba and Curran Connor in THE MAN UNDER at 59E59 Theaters. 
Photo by Bitten By A Zebra Photography

When Jeff finds Lisa (Briana Pozner) standing next to him once again on a platform, she leads him on another merry chase through the subway tunnels. Lisa shares the art of dodging the third rail with Jeff. She is an adrenalin rush to Jeff. Her energy invigorates him and Lisa also inspires Jennifer to move on. Lisa is a troubled sprite. 

Exhilirated by the thrill ride Lisa takes him on, Jeff finds his lost peace.

A winsome cast perform with an easy naturalism in "Man Under."

L-R: Curran Connor, Veronique Ory and Paul Bomba in THE MAN UNDER at 59E59 Theaters. 
Photo by Bitten By A Zebra Photography

The small proscenimum stage (scenic design by Julia Noulin-Mérat) doubles as a comfy Brooklyn apartment and expands to an underground labyrinth of graffitti and danger. Charles Foster (lighting) and Jeremy S. Bloom (sound) take us into the subterranean world of the MTA in their excellent designs.

In the end, it seems that love and good sense triumph in "Man Under."

For more information about "Man Under," visit www.59e59.org.

When Love Is Enough: Gary Henderson's "Skin Tight"

Peter Saide as Tom and Sarah-Jane Casey as Elizabeth in "Skin Tight" by Gary Henderson at 59E59 Theaters.
Photo by Carol Rosegg

"Remember that time..."  "Yes," she answers.  He protests "You don't know what I was going to say." She answers "I don't have to. I remember everything."

"Skin Tight," at 59E59 Theaters in a One Year Lease production through December 1st, is an abstract love story by Gary Henderson, based on "The Magpies," a poem by New Zealander Denis Glover.

Peter Saide as Tom and Sarah-Jane Casey as Elizabeth in "Skin Tight" by Gary Henderson at 59E59 Theaters. 
Photo by Carol Rosegg

"Skin Tight," bristles with sensual provocations. It is intense with eroticism, frank language and nudity. Gary Henderson's  short play is oddly interesting, opening with an fierce and well-choreographed  (by  Natalie Lomonte, former dance captain for Spiderman) smackdown between an man and a woman. "Skin  Tight"  is about the enduring love between Tom (Peter Saide) and Elizabeth (Sarah-Jane Casey). 

Sarah-Jane Casey and Peter Saide in "Skin Tight" at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Carol Rosegg

The parade of their lives goes from childhood games to wartime separation, from waiting and wanting to infidelity and loyalty. It is a steamy tale, told with good humor. The fighting is brutally savage and very acrobatic.    "Skin  Tight"  is  both romantic and completely grounded. 

The place names trip lovingly off Tom's tongue. "Point Pleasant. Fairlie. Little nothing names full of magic," he says. "Tekapo. Pukaki. And the rivers. The Waitaki. The Rangitata." Tom and Elizabeth have a lifetime to talk over, yet they are both fit and young, truly a handsome pair. 

"Skin Tight" is an ode to reminiscences, shared forthrightly. Peter Saide and Sarah-Jane Casey are a very fetching couple, physically attractive, even imposing. They embue the story of "Skin Tight" with  a natural grace and charm.

For more information on the production, visit www.59e59.org. 

   

 

Flawed heroes: "Cyrano De Bergerac" and "The Whale"

Sometimes, we allow even minor physical flaws to represent all our failings.

The hero in "Cyrano De Bergerac," at the Roundabout's American Airlines Theatre through  November 25th, allows his comically large nose to be an impediment to his happiness.

Cyrano (Douglas Hodge) does not suffer fools. He triumphs with his sabre-sharp intelligence and sharper sword. It is his generous heart and animated wit that that command the loyalty of his regiment as well as of his fellow poets and gad-abouts.

Samuel Roukin as Valvert and Douglas Hodge as Cyrano in Roundabout's production of Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano De Bergerac." Photo by Joan Marcus

The excitement with which his companions anticipate Cyrano's arrival energizes the already vibrant opening scene in "Cyrano De Bergerac." When he finally bursts in, Cyrano mesmerizes with the force of his outsized personality. Douglas Hodge embues Cyrano with so much gusto and fire that he seems to be a mythical hero.

Cyrano and Christian (Kyle Soller), a handsome newly recruited cadet are bonded by their rivalry for Roxanne's (Clémence Poésy) love.

Clémence Poésy as Roxanne, Kyle Soller as Christian with Douglas Hodge as Cyrano. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Edmond Rostand's gorgeous and enduring masterpiece of unrequited love gets a beautifully fluid verse translation from Ranjit Bolt in this gorgeous and opulent production.

Roxanne, taken by Christian's good looks, is even more intoxicated by the rapturous words of love Cyrano writes for him.  Cyrano and Christian share an allegiance that leads to sacrifice. The love in "Cyrano De Bergerac" is unconsummated, tender and wildly romantic.

Peter Bradbury, Jack  Cutmore-Scott, Douglas Hodge, Okeeriete Onaodowan, Samuel Roukin, Bill Buell, and Andy Grotelueschen in "Cyrano De Bergerac." Photo by Joan Marcus. 

In an excellent and extensive ensemble, Douglas Hodge is a marvel. His performance is both natural and incredible. His Cyrano is a gigantic and imposing figure. After a powerful performance as Spidey's over-miked nemesis, The Green Goblin,  Patrick Page plays a subtler role as a foppish villain, the Comte de Guiche, 

Jamie Lloyd's imaginative direction gives this "Cyrano De Bergerac" a feeling of accessibility. It's somehow akin to gourmet comfort food, familiar in its outlines, astounding in the details of its ingredients. The sets and costumes by Soutra Gilmour provide a lush and elegant backdrop on which Cyrano's touching story plays out. 

The physical also looms large in Samuel D. Hunter's "The Whale," at Playwrights Horizons through December 9th.

 In "The Whale,"Charlie (Shuler Hensley) is so grotesquely overweight that he can barely move around the epic dump (set by Mimi Lien) of an apartment in which he lives. His 600+ lbs have made breathing difficult and painful. Liz (Cassie Beck), his impromptu visiting nurse and friend, lovingly and disgustedly hurls abuse at him while she cares for him.   They are both aware that he is dying.

Like Cyrano, Charlie is a wordsmith. His job is to offer on-line tutorials on term papers. He is a very nonjudgmental teacher. Charlie is a softee with a rosy view of human potential and kindness. In contrast, all the women in his life are tough and angry.

Regina de Courcy, as Ellie, his strange and estranged teenage daughter, gives a brilliant portrayal of a smart and smart-mouthed misfit. Shuler Hensley makes this bleak tale of a man isolated in his immobility riveting.

Samuel D. Hunter's "The Whale"is a well-conceived play but Rostand's "Cyrano De Bergerac" is an iconic and soaringly wonderful with  beauty-and-the- beast themed work. The Roundabout has done it proud.

For more information on "The Whale," please visit Playwrights Horizons.

To learn more about the Roundabout and its production of  "Cyrano De Bergerac," please go to  Roundabout Theatre Company.

Love Gone Drastically Awry in "Tender Napalm"

Explosive love affairs sometimes turn into even more explosive marriages.


In "Tender Napalm," at 59E59 Theaters through September 9th, man and wife take turns abusing each other. Bombast and bragging rights are frank and fertile ground for the ugly wreckage of their marriage.

Ameila Workman and Blake Ellis in Philip Ridley's "Tender Napalm"



They are embittered by the tragedy that has torn what love there may have been between them asunder. Their fighting and feuding goes well beyond the standard in its bile and brutality.

"Tender Napalm" is not an easy drama to watch or listen to, with its vituperations and imaginings. You don't want to get caught in the crossfire between Amelia Workman's and Blake Ellis's angry characters. Their exchanges are toxically foul-mouthed, even in an era of shameless liguistic free-for-all.

For more information, visit www.59e59.org.

Pop goes "Tiny Dynamite"

Photo © Carol Rosegg around the circle: Christian Conn as Lucien, Olivia Horton as Madeleine, Blake DeLong as Anthony in “Tiny Dynamite” at 59E59 Theaters.

Not all explosions are convulsive.

For instance, there is nothing cataclysmic in Abi Morgan's "Tiny Dynamite," which is enjoying its New York premiere at 59E59 Theaters through July 1st. There are some power surges and lightning strikes in "Tiny Dynamite," but it's a tiny story of loyalty, loss, love and friendship.

Photo © Carol Rosegg around the circle: Olivia Horton as Madeleine, Blake DeLong as Anthony and Christian Conn as Lucien, in “Tiny Dynamite” at 59E59 Theaters.

Lucien (Christian Conn) is a cautious man. His best friend from childhood, Anthony (Blake DeLong) lives an untamed existence. Once a year, Lucien brings Anthony to a cabin by the lake for a summer vacation. This idyl inevitably stirs memories of a woman they both loved. Madeleine (Olivia Horton) enlivens and complicates their relationship.

While the acting rivets the attention, this slight story lacks the intensity to explode in the imagination as a full-blown adventure. It diverts with anecdotes of catastrophes and fatality, without drawing a complete picture of either miracle or just happenstance. As Anthony puts it "if there's no cause, I'd say that it was a freak fucking accident."

Visit www.59e59.org to get a schedule of performance. To find out more about the presenter, the Origin Theatre Company, please visit www.origintheatre.org.

Totally Engrossed in "Teresa's Ecstasy"

What draws us to explore one path over another?

Begonya Plaza as Carlotta, Shawn Elliott as Andres, Linda Larkin as Becky in “Teresa’s Ecstasy.” Photo © Carol Rosegg

In "Teresa's Ecstasy," written by Begonya Plaza at the Cherry Lane Theatre through April 1st, Carlotta's (Begonya Plaza) research into St Teresa of Avila turns into a spiritual quest. As is often the case with this kind of journey, she is lead to an unexpected self-discovery.

Carlotta is an author, nominally married to a Spanish artist, Andres, (Shawn Elliott). She is in Spain to explore the history of St Teresa for an article she is preparing for Becky's (Linda Larkin) magazine, Beyond Reason. The Saint is famous for her writings about her rapturous relationship to Jesus. "Oh right," Andres says. "The lusty saint."

En route to Avila, Carlotta stops in Barcelona to get "Andy" to sign the divorce papers he has steadfastly ignored.

Shawn Elliott as Andres with Begonya Plaza as Carlotta in “Teresa’s Ecstasy.” Photo © Carol Rosegg

The skeptical Andres denounces religion and religious fervor. Shawn Elliott's assured portrayal of the dogmatic and charming Andres is an excellent foil for Begonya Plaza's open-minded and inquisitive Carlotta. The tenderness between them is unaffected. Becky as Linda Larkin plays her is contemptuous and brash, challenging Andres's machismo.

Linda Larkin as Becky withBegonya Plaza as Carlotta and Shawn Elliott as Andres “Teresa’s Ecstasy.” Photo © Carol Rosegg

Will Pomerantz (The Blue Flower, The Shape of Things) smooothly directs the outstanding cast in the world premiere of this truly first-rate drama. The sets by Adrian W.Jones are homey and expansive.

Begonya Plaza as Carlotta and Shawn Elliott as Andres in “Teresa’s Ecstasy.” Photo © Carol Rosegg

"Teresa's Ecstasy" is a captivating story of love and adventure. Click here for more information on the play.

A Love Story for the Cyber Age: Extended to 29 October

There is so much new territory for the theater to cover in this super-connected, highly wired world--Google, Twitter, email, hackers, videogames-- and a lot of it just doesn't seem like it could be theatrical, does it? In Mangella, where a computer nerd meets a tech savvy prostitute via Craigslist, there is plenty of theatricality.

Connectivity takes on a whole new meaning in "Mangella," a play billed as a cyber-thriller, and produced by Project:Theater at the Drilling Company extended through October 23rd 29th.

In "Mangella," Gabriella (Ali Perlwitz) is a seductive temptress; her jealousy of Lilly (Hannah Louise Wilson)is only natural since she and Ned (Anthony Manna) have such an intimate relationship.

Gabriella is Ned's outdated computer. Lilly is a prostitute Ned hires to visit his father, known to himself as Mangella St. James (Bob Austin McDonald), a black blues man.

Ned keeps Mangella, once a dentist named Stephen Frangipani, tethered to a wheelchair in his back room, in the hope that his father will recall memories of the mother Ned lost as a young boy.

Ali Perlwitz as Gabriella_with Anthony Manna as Ned in “Mangella.” Photo by Lee Wexler  

While all the actors are excellent, Ali Perlwitz handles a particularly Shakespearean fugue in the play with special finesse.

Ken Ferrigni has written well-observed love story.

Hannah Wilson as Lilly_with Bob Auston McDonald as MangellaSt James in “Mangella.” Photo by Lee Wexler  


Joe Jung directs the action at a lovingly fast-pace, balancing the energy and innocence of the characters with the absurdist storyline.

"Mangella" uses video to enhance its action and illustrate its plot in a very entertaining way.

Ali Perlwitz as Gabriella_with Anthony Manna as Ned in “Mangella” engage in videogaming. Photo by Lee Wexler  

For more information about and performance schedules for "Mangella" ,
go to www.projecttheater.org. Tickets may be purchased through SmartTix at www.smartix.com.

A Tall Order: Anna Kerrigans "The Talls"

Anna Kerrigan's fine new play, "The Talls" would probably benefit from a more seductive title. Family in dysfunction can have so many iterations, but this one is fresh and beguiling.

Set in a small California town in the 1970's, "The Talls" at 2econd Stage Theatre Uptown, through August 27th, focuses on the rudderless Clarke children.

Everything in "The Talls" encapsulates the 1970s. The actors are perfectly dressed by Jenny Mannis and the Clarke living room, in a set by Dane Laffrey, is evocative of "The Brady Bunch."

Big sister, Isabelle (Shannon Esper) feels responsible for keeping her siblings on track. She makes sure they get their homework done, keeps Christian (Michael Oberholtzer) from picking on Catherine (Lauren Holmes) and makes sure that their youngest brother, Nicholas (Timothee Chalamet) gets ready for bed.

Gerard Canonico as Russell James with Shannon
Esper as Isabelle [Photo (c) Joan Marcus] 



The parents, John (Peter Rini) and Anne Clarke (Christa Scott-Reed) are pre-occupied-- mostly with dad's career and aspirations in politics, but also with Anne's friendship with Sister Connie, one of the children's teachers.

Christa Scott-Reed as Mrs. Anne Clarke and Peter Rini
as Mr. John Clarke [Photo (c) Joan Marcus] 

Anne, who has forgotten about Christian's and Catherine's ball games in the early afternoon, comes home to remind them, over an early cocktail, to get ready to meet their father's political advisor, Russell James (Gerard Canonico).

Isabelle is not just the oldest in the family, she is also the smartest, and in some ways, despite her youth, the wisest. She is, also, the most daring. Isabelle longs for freedom from the straight and narrow. Her dreams of being a hippie are partly fulfilled as the comedy reaches a poignant outcome.

To find out more about Anna Kerrigan's "The Talls," please visit http://2st.com/