The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
CVLT delivers a raw and emotional ‘The Country House’
Donald Margulies’ play explores dynamics of a creative family
Theater has a wonderful way of referring back to itself, particularly when serving as a springboard for comedy. And a trip to the country is never quite as relaxing as it seems on stage. Look no further than the works of Anton Chekhov, Terrence McNally and Noël Coward.
“The Country House,” which opened on Broadway in 2014 and is being staged at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre in Chagrin Falls, demonstrates that the world of the theater and those who inhabit it can result in some raw and powerful drama, as well as comedy. And even an excursion to the Berkshires can generate turmoil.
Penned by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies, “The Country House” unfolds in three acts and takes place at a summerhouse where a broken brood of creative artists and their actress matriarch, Anna Patterson, gather for the annual Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Sadly, this year’s family reunion is not as happy as those of the past because it marks the first anniversary of the death of Anna’s daughter, Kathy, a successful actress in her own right. An undercurrent of mournful soul-searching dominates the demeanor of the family and friends, which forces all these trained performers to improvise some rather somber truth-telling.
Kathy’s brother, Elliot, is a failed actor but fun houseguest, rolling joints in the living room and wearing a “Kiss the Cook” apron while grilling. But underneath the façade, Elliot suffers from depression and a severe dissatisfaction with his life, and Roland Moore plays all this powerful force in the role.
Kathy’s daughter, Susie — played with the perfect level of sarcasm by Kaytie Leonard — is not an actress and has little patience or tolerance for the dramatic ways of her family.
Kathy’s husband, Walter, is a big movie director. He is reasonable and sensible — traits that are nicely brought to the forefront by Kevin Jones — but has the bad taste to bring along his beautiful young fiancée, Nell, played nicely by Kerry Scanlon.
One of the most powerful scenes in this play is a stunning heart-to-heart between Walter and Elliot, as the two evaluate their careers and self-worth.
Margo Parker plays Anna with great sincerity, but her grief over losing her daughter never digs below the surface. As Anna silently grieves, she openly discusses her frustrations with aging and the effect it has had on her acting career, a dialogue that Parker tackles graciously.
Michael, a self-satisfied heartthrob TV star and family friend, is very well played by Sean McCormick.
This CVLT production thrives on honest acting to cultivate a sense this play and its dialogue easily could exist in the real world. Director Brian Westerley adds a layer of authenticity by having his performers occasionally stand with their backs to the audience, which is effective.
The set, sound and lighting design by Edmond Wolff are beautifully detailed. Old show promotions line the walls of the lavish home, which include sconce lighting and crown molding.
The sound of rain can be heard outside the windows and the stage is creatively lit with only LED phone lights in a memorable scene when the power goes out from the storm.
The power may go out, but the energy never does in this moving CVLT production of “The Country House.”
This review is supported by a Cleveland State University civic engagement grant.