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Date: Fri 11-Jun-1999

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Date: Fri 11-Jun-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: SARAH

Quick Words:

Hartford-Stage-Papa-Stapleton

Full Text:

THEATRE REVIEW: Something Is Just Not Right With "Papa"

(with cut)

By June April

HARTFORD -- Elements that are necessary for a good play include fine acting; a

good story with some tension that (usually) achieves some resolution; and

effective sets, lighting, costumes and music.

All these elements are there in The Death of Papa by the award-winning

playwright Horton Foote, but this reviewer just could not relate to or get too

excited about the current production of the play at Hartford Stage. The only

thing felt after viewing the recent show was an appreciation for the work.

That is hardly a glowing recommendation.

On June 5 we had gone into New York to see the final night of John Irving's

Cider House Rules. Three hours of theatre and we hungered for more. We were

deeply involved in absorbing and meaningful theatre. The contrast, both in

pace and tone, was antithical.

Horton Foote's screenplay adaptations are some of the finest one an see. To

Kill A Mockingbird and Trip to Bountiful are even better on the screen than on

the stage. It seems the Hartford production, which is the concluding piece of

a nine-play epic, might be a stronger and more luscious experience were it put

on film.

For audiences that appreciate insights into period pieces that capture the

time and environment of small southern towns, then Foote, Williams and other

esteemed playwrights are appropriate choices for ticket purchases. However,

for those like this reviewer, such works are not the kind of theatre that

ignite one's intellectual or emotional fires, and that is primarily what this

reviewer seeks in a theatre experience.

Nevertheless, the directing in Hartford by Michael Wilson is sensitive and

insightful. The impressive cast, especially young Franke Muniz as Horace

Robedaux Jr, was most effective in their characterizations.

Veteran actors like Jean Stapleton, Ed Wheeler, Andrew McCarthy, Elizabeth

Foote and Devon Abner bring a special depth of understanding to their roles

and breathe credible life into their portrayals.

Recognition to dialect and vocal coach Deborah Hecht for capturing the essence

of regionalism, to costume designer McKay Coble, and lighting designer Michael

Lincoln for setting the mood so beautifully.

Running through June 27 at Hartford Stage's comfortable, air-conditioned

theatre, The Death of Papa is good theatre. It's great theatre for those who

want a much relaxed play, with undercurrents of tension.

(For tickets or additional information, call 860/527-5151. Tickets range from

$16.25 to $42 with group rates available. Curtain times are available through

the box office.)

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