BWW Reviews: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF Ends An Era

For its last offering at its current location, South City Theatre presents CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. (As soon as this show closes they will move to their new location in Pelham.) This is the third time this week that I have been in the sold out audience of a play- theatre is alive and well in our area.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF is an iconic Tennessee Williams play in three acts. Director Clifton Keen, Jr. takes only one intermission, combining the second and third acts together, making for a long second half. Having studied this play several times in college and having read it recently, I felt that this production left out some key pieces. Whether that was because of dropped lines (which happens) or an intentional omission to make the play more politically correct I cannot say, I hope the former and not the latter. I do know that some of the smaller parts, servants and children, are dropped from the play entirely, but in such a small space that is understandable.

Maggie the Cat is played by Victoria Boyce. Perfect for the part, Victoria appears beautiful, catty, and conniving. Whenever she is on stage, she brings the production to life. I would have liked to see her tone down the Southern accent a bit, but some of the times the overdone drawl fits with how overly-dramatic her character tends to be. Whenever she was off stage, I missed Ms. Boyce's sparkle.

Salena Whalen-Stalker as Big Momma comes the closest to a real representation of what a Southern accent of that period would have sounded like. And she also shows the truest emotion of any of the cast. India Watkins as the one child not cut from the production, is cute and a breath of fresh air during tense scenes.

The set was nicely done. From the paintings on the wall to the crystal bowls and vases of flowers, it definitely had the wealthy look of a plantation home. Every detail made sense. The lighting during the show was good, but the lamps staying on at the end of the first act and the beginning of the next was rather awkward, I felt.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF is a play that you should see at some point in your life. It is a masterpiece combining family dynamics and social issues. Take your opportunity to see this classic at South City Theatre and see their last production in this unique space that has been home to so many wonderful projects. The play runs through Saturday, February 7. Go to www.southcitytheatre.com for ticket information.