If you see only one play this fall, make it Jon Robin Baitz' terrific Lincoln Center to Broadway transfer of "Other Desert Cities", a fractured family drama that features an impeccable cast and an emotionally resonant plot that in less talented hands could have devolved into soap opera-like bathos. Baitz's play is multilayered and complex, with characters whose flaws make them genuinely human and believable. The less said about the plot the better for those who have not yet experienced the show. Having now seen this show twice, I can attest that knowing how it turns out allows one to see the genius workings of the show's actors and director the second time around.
It is hard to pick a favorite among the "Other Desert Cities" cast. Stockard Channing as the family matriarch gives a career-topping performance. Stacy Keach's was a bit tentative when I saw him in the show's original off-Broadway run, but he has settled nicely into the role and now gives a rock solid reading of his paternal character. Thomas Sadoski's is perfect as the under-achieving brother, and Rachel Griffiths is emotionally devastating as his damaged sister. The biggest surprise for me was Judith Light who improves on her predecessor's (Linda Lavin's) outstanding take as the matriarch's fragile sister. As an ensemble, this superbly directed cast now simply cannot be beat at any show in town.
If you are looking for a second show to see this fall, by all means make it MTC's crackling and funny Broadway production of David Ives' off-Broadway hit "Venus In Fur", another show that is perfectly cast. This two-hander comedy features fantastic performances from both of its stars - Nina Arianda and Hugh Dancy. While the sexy and alluring play may fall a bit short in terms of depth, the production is elevated into a must see by its snappy direction and acting. Ms. Ariana and Mr. Dancy have a palpable chemistry together, and Ms. Arianda's star turn causes the viewer to wonder if she descended from the heavens to play this seemingly tailor made role. Both actors deftly handle the turn-on-a-dime twists and turns in this entertaining cat and mouse sexual chase.
The other new fall productions I have recently seen all offer good things mixed with some serious deficiencies. Broadway comedies "Seminar" and "Chinglish", provide ample laughs, but both suffer from serious credibility shortcomings. New musical "Bonnie & Clyde" feautures oustanding performances by leads Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan, but the show's book and score are mediocre and univolving. Despite the fine notices it received, I found Roundabout's "Sons of the Prophet" to be poorly paced and lacking in genuine emotions. Finally, Playwrights Horizons' "Milk Like Sugar" has a fresh and exciting cast pulling the weight for another strained plot. Each of these shows have successful elements that make them worthwhile, but unfortunately their less successful elements preclude me from wholeheartedly recommending them.
