I say this with nearly every review but the attention paid to costume design makes a world of difference. Sidney Fortner did an amazing job of whisking us back to a more dapper time and it really enhances the work of these great actors and the story they are telling.
Along with that are the really impressive sets that Alex Roe designs. Metropolitian Playhouse has one of the smallest stages you'll find in the Off-Broadway world and yet because of their incredible artistic skill it always feels immense. There were four major scene changes that were carried out nearly flawlessly and it really is amazing what they are able to do in that space.
The cast was superb. I'm continually amazed at the level of talent that comes through the Metropolitan Playhouse and this show was no different. It's a really big cast for such a small stage with thirteen actors. No matter how small the role each and every actor really brought their A-game. Deb Radloff (Sarah, Fanny, Thompson) stood out for her ability to transform between the various characters she played and even the changes within character from a tough street-talking young woman to a sophisticated and classy woman of the highest order. And funny! Numerous times she had the audience in stitches. Elisabeth Preston, in lead role as Mary Turner was also a joy to watch. She was simply captivating as Mary Turner constantly out-smarting people who thought they were better than her. I really could go on about every member of this cast and how good they were but suffice to say that in a theatre that constantly has great casts this is one of the best I've seen.
This was the opening preview and there were a few glitches but they were all pretty minor. The only thing that really stood out as needing attention is a scene in which Christian Rozakis (Joe Garson) is showing Elisabeth Preston (Mary Turner) his revolver with the silencer. For some strange reason he tells her to turn away and then points the gun at her back and fires. Ostensibly this was to show her how quiet the gun was so it was confusing why she had to turn away and even stranger that he basically shot her in the back. I'm guessing this was a small mix up with blocking that will be fleshed out in future shows but I thought I'd mention it nonetheless.
Metropolitan Playhouse has created yet another great show with a superb cast that keeps great American theatre alive and well. It's the one theater I always feel confident in telling friends and tourists about because so much love and effort is put into each and every performance.
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