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Regional Reviews: San Francisco The Country House Also see Richard's reviews of The Phantom of the Opera and The Mystery of Irma Vep and Patrick's review of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
The Country House, at more than two hours with intermission, is about Anna Patterson, a matriarchal Broadway actress who oversees a gathering of her family and theatre friends in her beautiful upscale country house in Williamstown. Members of Anna's family gather in her home to commemorate the one-year anniversary of her daughter's death. She also invites an old friend, a handsome TV star, to crash at her house since his nearby home is being fumigated. You can bet that, with this group of actors and directors, theatrical hell will break loose. The dialogue is brilliant and polished among the characters, with wisecracks about Broadway stars and film stars on Broadway, the changing conditions of theatre, and the compromises one must make if they are in theatre or films. Robert Kelley has assembled a brilliant cast of actors to make this play come to life. Kimberly King gives a wonderful performance as the ageing Broadway actress Anna. She skillfully maintains a balance between an unfaltering and strong character and a woman heartbroken from the loss of her daughter and her youth. Rose Hallett rocks as the cynical granddaughter from Yale who is spending her summer session away from the university. She successfully exudes a certain amount of innocence in this company of actors and directors. Stephen Muterspaugh gives a brilliant performance as the failed actor and soon to be failed playwright. He exemplifies the character's fear and viciousness. Gary S. Martinez gives a splendid performance as Walter, Susie's father, an ex-Broadway director who has now has deserted Broadway to direct big blockbuster movies in Hollywood for the money. Marcia Pizzo gives a pitch perfect performance as Neil, Walter's girlfriend who just might have the "hots" for a TV star. Rounding out these interesting characters is Jason Kuykendall as Michael Astor, former Broadway actor and now successful TV star in a long running series. He gives a consummate performance as a man who would like to return to his roots in theatre. Andrea Bechert has beautifully designed an upscale living room set with a gorgeous wooded area in the background. This set should be in House Beautiful magazine. B. Modern's costumes are completely convincing for actors living in Williamstown. Lighting by Steven B. Mannshardt and sound by Brenda Aanes are awesome in the thunder and lightning scene in the second act. Robert Kelley's direction is sharp and he brings out the best in every one of the actors. The Country House plays through September 20th, 2015, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View. For tickets call 650-463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org Coming up next is David Auburn's Proof opening on October 7 and running through November 1st.
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