| I've seen every Jackson interview, including Theatre Talk, and finally watched the entire Times Talk this morning. (Philip Galanes is disappointing here, scattered, long-winded, with attenuated questions, and unable to shape the discussion; he jumps around and abandons "Three Tall Women" shockingly early; the audience questions wisely return to it, but his waste of this opportunity is another topic.) But only twice is Mantello's actual direction brought up. Mostly he's just referred to as the 4th player -- by Metcalf, initially -- along with the three actors, a quartet of artists excavating the Albee play. Finally in the waning moments, answering a question, Metcalf sings Mantello's praises, and Jackson just stares. After last night's terse, dry, and pointedly measured acknowledgment of his contribution, I'm intrigued. The production has been so praised for re-minting the play, for finding myriad new imagery-driven moments to complement the stunning trio's acting. But Jackson seems to be holding onto reservations. |
