Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Axis Theatre Company’s distilled, elegant new stage adaptation of WASHINGTON SQUARE nearly opens

• By drediman
• March 15, 2020
• No Comments

Britt Genelin in Randy Sharp’s new stage adaptation of “Washington Square” at Axis Theatre Company. Photo by Axis Theatre Company.

Axis Theatre Company’s new Off-Broadway stage adaptation of Henry James’ Washington Square was supposed to have opened today. Luckily, I was able to catch the final preview performance last night, which also served as the final show before the production’s 30-day suspension due to coronavirus pandemic precautions. Set in 1880s New York, the work tells the story of Catherine – a plain and steadfast young woman who happens to be the heiress to a substantial inheritance – and her turbulent relationship with her strict father and a mysterious man who vies for her affections.

Theater fans will know that the novel also serves as the basis for The Heiress, the 1947 play by Ruth and Augustus Goetz (the last two Broadway revivals of the classic starred the great Cherry Jones and film star Jessica Chastain, respectively). Randy Sharp’s adaptation is distilled and focused, with scenes blending into one another with impressive fluidity. Despite the stripped-down approach, Mr. Sharp’s work is notable for its remarkable clarity, and the accelerated storytelling never feels rushed nor excessively truncated. She also refreshingly reframes the story as an affirming coming-of-age tale, as opposed to replicating the aching tragic arc of The Heiress. The overall effect is akin to experiencing a fever dream, as if the audience was witness to Catherine’s life flashing before her eyes.

Ms. Sharp – Axis Theatre Company’s artistic director – also takes on directorial duties. Her stylish but visually spare production (the only semblance of a set are two chairs positioned center-stage) appropriately mirrors her elegant, lean script. Her staging is gorgeously enhanced by some brilliantly evocative sound and lighting design work.  Last but not least, the production’s quartet of actors – George Demas, Britt Genelin, Jon McCormick, and Dee Pelletier – all do superb work, skillfully calibrating their performances to the theater company’s intimate basement space. They also navigate the concentrated text with effortless dexterity and an abundance of personality.

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WASHINGTON SQUARE
Off-Broadway, Play
Axis Theatre Company
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Suspended