Classic comedy drama is a hit at the Curve
THE GRADUATE is a classic film from 1967 which many people will have fond memories of.
Starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, it is a movie that has influenced many other stories over the years. And the soundtrack essentially launched Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel to stardom with songs such as the Sound of Silence and Mrs Robinson.
The film was adapted for the stage many years ago. And a new production of it arrived at the Curve theatre in Leicester last week.
It is a tale that lends itself to the stage and could have easily been written for it.
For those who have not seen the film, it is about a young man called Benjamin Braddock who returns from college to his wealthy parents’ home in Califor- nia.
Unfortunately, Benjamin does not know what to do with his life. He has everything he could ask for but does not know what he wants.
At a dinner party hosted by his parents, he is seduced by the slightly intoxicated and intoxicating older woman Mrs Robinson.
And so begins a summer affair as they spend nights in a hotel while Benjamin avoids doing anything important by day as he drinks beer and suns himself by the pool.
Things take a turn when Mrs Robinson’s daughter Elaine comes on the scene.
She is set up for a date with Benjamin although he tries to sabotage it by taking her to a strip club.
However, he soon realises he has much more in common with Elaine than her mum.
It all ends up with a famous scene at a wedding...
The play was staged in the smaller more intimate Studio rather than the main stage of the Curve. And it worked very well with a large screen behind the stage being used to help create scenes and set the mood.
This is a story that must be enjoyable to perform as it contains plenty of genuine comedy moments.
And the small but excellent cast all performed well to provide a fine night of entertainment.
Benjamin (Jack Monaghan) and Mrs Robinson (Catherine McCormack) did perhaps produce the strongest moments in the play as the latter seduces the former.
The show is on until Saturday at the Curve in Leicester.