JUST
A SONG AT TWILIGHT, possibly Noel Coward’s theatrical swan song currently on
stage at the Pasadena Playhouse features four fine actors and four divergent
acting styles. Director Art Manke has Roxanne Hart, Zach Bandler, Bruce Davison
and Sharon Lawrence deftly reciting Coward’s lines in a terrific set by Tom
Buderwitz, the hotel room where Hugo (Bruce Davison) holds forth with his
former secretary, now wife of twenty years, Hilde (Roxanne Hart). A visit by an old flame, Carlotta
(shapely Sharon Lawrence) promises uncomfortable banter and eventually a down
to business discussion addressing an issue that Hugo has avoided all of his
life: his ‘interest’ in homosexuality.
 | |
| Bruce Davison, Roxanne Hart and Sharon Lawrence Photo credit Michael Lamont |
It’s
the sixties, when gay men (and others) were just peeking out of their closets
and to old timers like Hugo, any hint of mint could be destructive to their
careers, even though Hugo’s success as a writer has been exceptional. Perhaps
the shame that still lingers in our society even fifty years later caused the
fear that erupts in Hugo as Carlotta explains that she anticipates writing her
memoir. She has in her possession incriminating letters sent by Hugo to his
former ‘friend,’ Perry. Carlotta
is an Actress with a capital “A.”
Lawrence’s stage presence is appropriately broad. Compared to Davison’s studied portrayal
of Hugo, the contrast is rather one of style. Coward’s words are and always have been stylish and poetic.
The entire production is testament to style. The
feeling of the thirties, even set in the sixties prevails. This is how the upper crust lives,
waited on by room service with the mere touch of a button.
As
always, the Pasadena Playhouse Opening Nights are full to the brim with
celebrities and patrons. Buderwitz’s hotel is perfect. David Kay Mickelsen’s costumes are also
perfectly done. The money is on the stage. The presentation is thoroughly
professional. Roxanne Hart as Hilde,
Hugo’s wife, has adopted an interesting German or Germanic accent that is not
always easy to decipher. However
her attitude and proficiency expand the character throughout. Though seldom on stage, our Room
Service waiter, Zach Bandler is crisp and clear. No mistaking that he is there to serve and he does so efficiently.
It
may be the perfection that makes this production falter a little. Everything is so just so. Energy in the second act exceeded the
first and that was a good thing. Over
all, this is a Broadway play revived for a Broadway audience come to see the
play and to be seen.
JUST
A SONG AT TWILIGHT by Noel Coward
The
Pasadena Playhouse
39
S. El Molino
Pasadena,
California 91101
Tuesday
through Friday at 8PM
Saturdays
at 4PM and 8PM
Sundays
at 2PM and 7PM
Through
April 13, 2014
Tickets
and information
626
356 7529
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