Theatre Reviews—

Shubert’s ‘Darrow’ Is Best Now That It Is On Its Way

By June April

NEW HAVEN — There is no doubt Clarence Darrow stands as one of the most intriguing and influential figures in the legal arena. And there is no question that actor Leslie Nielsen has a splendid acting ability and a marvelously honed speaking voice. Yet oddly, the mix did not work for the four-day showing of the one-man show Clarence Darrow when it visited the Shubert last week.

To begin with, Darrow is just too long a performance. Also, as much as New Haven’s Shubert Performing Arts Center is a most outstanding theatre, it holds just too large a stage for the production.

Owing to other commitments, Mr Nielsen’s appearance had to be moved forward two days, thereby cutting the six days originally scheduled at the Shubert down to four. It seemed the stress of what might have been going on brought only a mildly inspired performance.

Yes, there were flashes of passion, especially in the second half, but for the most part it was a rambling portrayal, lacking excitement. If Mr Nielsen was seeking to characterize the old and worn out Darrow retelling his experiences, then he succeeded. The play desperately calls for tightening up.

If some visuals of, say headlines of newspapers of cases Darrow was involved with were projected on the backdrop, it would have served to add some greater reality to the spoken words and a further insight into the man and the press’ reaction.

There were four stage areas Mr Nielsen moved between: a desk/chair set-up on the far left; a small table with chairs and water pitcher; a judge’s chair with witness box and railing, where most of the action focused; and to the far right of the stage, an easy chair next to a lamp to suggest his home environs. The stage set did not add a coherency to the production; it was just there.

Mr Nielsen’s keen interest in, and commitment to portraying Clarence Darrow, is clearly sincere and passionate. The attorney was a man of ideals and zeal who molded our history.

Theatre performances vary each night; that’s what makes it more exciting than cinema on one level. The next night’s performance may have been first rate. The audience gave a standing ovation on November 4, which this reviewer felt was unwarranted.

The challenge of a one-actor play, which is basically an extended monologue, is to keep the audience involved and attentive. When it’s done well, it is a mesmerizing experience.

Holbrook has characterized Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain); James Whitmore donned the manners of that man from Missouri, Harry Truman; Irish Actor Donal Donally has woven the ways of the peerless George Bernard Show; and Jean Stapleton continues to develop her interpretation of Eleanor Roosevelt. Between other roles Leslie Nielsen pursues his desire to bring the words and legacy to audiences of his hero, Clarence Darrow. But the work is far from being called anything close to mesmerizing.