Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Len Cariou and Craig Bierko address aging in George Eastman’s tiresomely sitcom-ish HARRY TOWNSEND’S LAST STAND

• By drediman
• January 9, 2020
• No Comments

Len Cariou and Craig Bierko in George Eastman’s “Harry’s Townsend’s Last Stand” at New York City Center. Photo by Maria Baranova.

I recently had a chance to catch up with George Eastman’s new Off-Broadway play Harry Townsend’s Last Stand at New York City Center’s subterranean Stage II. The main draw for theater fans to buy tickets to this two-hander is most likely the chance to see Tony-winner Len Cariou (who originated the title role in Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece Sweeney Todd) and Craig Bierko (a Tony nominee for his Harold Hill in the last Broadway revival of Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man) on the same stage.  Mr. Cariou and Mr. Bierko respectively play a stubborn, aging man and his concerned son who must together face the realities of the former’s aggressively advancing old age.

First and foremost, I must admit that it’s a considerable treat to see these two formidable stage talents in such close proximity. Unfortunately, the vehicle they’ve been handed is a baggy comedy that, despite its good intentions, fails to make much of an impact. Harry Townsend’s Last Stand calls to mind stage comedies (particularly those of Neil Simon) and television shows of a bygone era. But after a while (perhaps halfway through the first act), one starts to become immune to the occasionally amusing but invariable back-and-forth bantering between father and son. Indeed, most of the time, the play sags beneath the sogginess of its generic, tiresome sitcom-style writing.

Luckily, we have the undeniably charismatic duo of Mr. Cariou and Mr. Bierko – both consummate showmen still with plenty of stage presence – to attempt to save the day. They treat Mr. Eastman’s script with care and dignity, giving it much needed texture. In their hands, we almost care about Harry and Alan as they navigate their way towards a telegraphed resolution. Additionally, the production is handsome to look at and has been staged astutely by director Karen Carpenter. But at the end of the day, one must ask oneself, why not just sit at home and watch TV?

SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED

HARRY TOWNSEND’S LAST STAND
Off-Broadway, Play
New York City Center / Stage II
2 hours (with one intermission)
Through February 9