Monday, April 23, 2018

CT Theater Review: The Revisionist -- Playhouse on Park

Cecelia Riddett and Carl Howell . Photo:Curt Henderson
The Revisionist
By Jesse Eisenberg
Directed by Sasha Bratt
Playhouse on Park
Through April 29

What's It All About?
The New England premiere of Jesse Eisenberg's play about family ties. David (Carl Howell) is a young book writer way past his deadline, so he shows up in Poland at the home of his 75-year-old second cousin, Maria (Cecelia Riddett), where he hopes to find some peace and quiet to revise his manuscript. Maria, who is so excited to have a visit from a family member, doesn't want to leave David alone, however. She wants to take him site seeing, to prepare big meas for him and to share family history. The old widow doesn't get many visitors, except for Zenon (Sebastian Buczyk), a friend who takes her in cab to run errands. Family is everything to Maria. Portraits cover the walls of her small flat (designed by Emily Nichols), especially since she lost most of hers in the Holocaust. But David shows little interest until one night, the two loosen up over some Vodka and some unsettling secrets find their way out of the family closet.

What Are the Highlights?
Tight direction by Sasha Bratt allows strong performances by Howel and Riddett to find their legs. The relationship between the two is dynamic and interesting to watch in its development.

What Are The Lowlights?
Eisenberg's play loses direction in the second act and we're not exactly sure where it is taking us.

More Information:
Each Sunday matinee includes a talkback with the cast and director. A special Tuesday matinee has been planned for April 24 at 2 pm. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm;
Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday at 2 pm through April 29 at Playhouse on Park,  244 Park Road, West Hartford. Tickets are $30-$40: www.playhouseonpark.org; 860-523-5900 x10.


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Lauren Yarger with playwright Alfred Uhry at the Mark Twain House. Photo: Jacques Lamarre)
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