THE HANGOVER REPORT – An uneven revival of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF updates the ever-caustic Tennessee Williams play to the present

Sonoya Mizuno and Matt de Rogatis in Ruth Stage’s production of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams at the Theatre at St. Clement’s (photo by Miles Skalli).

Over at the Theatre at St. Clement’s, you’ll find the Off-Broadway revival (the play’s first, believe it or not) of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. For those of you new to the work, it tells the story of a southern family toxically vying — upon getting wind of the imminent death of its patriarch — for the lucrative estate he’s soon to leave behind. It’s a juicy story that marries the classic King Lear scenario with pulpy melodrama.

A production by Ruth Stage, the current revival is notable for updating the ever-caustic play to the present day. The staging by director Joe Rosario is solid, although I don’t quite understand the necessity for updating the play to a contemporary setting. In fact, the production works best when one ignores the contemporary touches. Luckily, much of them are merely cosmetic and don’t really change the main narrative and thematic thrusts of Williams’ work.

In terms of performances, coming off most effectively are stage veteran Alison Fraser as Big Mama and Matt de Rogatis as Brick. Ms. Fraser is a complete natural in the role, and Mr. de Rogatis gives a studied, impassioned performance that brings crushing specificity to Brick’s identity crisis. Less successful, however, are Sonoya Mizuno‘s tentative, self conscious portrayal of Maggie the Cat and Christian Jules LeBlanc‘s boisterous but over-eager performance as Big Daddy.

RECOMMENDED

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Off-Broadway, Play
Ruth Stage at the Theatre at St. Clement’s
2 hours, 50 minutes (with one intermission and a short pause)
Through August 14

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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