Previews begin tonight, July 30, 2019, for Make Believe by Bess Wohl. Directed by Michael Grief, it features Kim Fischer, Susannah Flood, Ryan Foust, Harrison Fox, Maren Heary, Brad Heberlee, Casey Hilton and Samantha Mathis. The play is scheduled to run through September 15.
From the Second Stage website: When does real life collide with make believe? For the four Conlee kids, ages 5 to 10, playing house is no longer a game when their parents inexplicably disappear. Thirty-two years later, their search for answers continues. Bess Wohl returns to Second Stage after her funny and poignant play, American Hero, with a look inside the minds of children, their parents and the mysteries of childhood that haunt us forever.
Who's going? Was there an invited dress last night? I will be there in September.
I went tonight and really enjoyed it. I thought the acting by the children was really good, and that was something I was worried about as they are on stage for a large portion of the show. The flow of the show was a little confusing, but I am going to go back to watch it again. Overall, I thought it was pretty good.
I was in town and on a whim also caught the first performance last night. I also quite enjoyed it, and found myself, surprisingly, very moved by the end of it.
The structure of the first part is a little choppy and disjointed- perhaps not helped by some stylistic directorial moments, but I think by the end of the play you understand the reasoning behind it.
As mentioned, the first half of the play is just the kids- young kids- holding court completely and I was rather astounded by that. I can’t remember ever seeing a play that trusted this kind of drama completely to such young actors. They were all fabulous.
The performances in the second half were also strong, especially the one by Susannah Flood. She is fabulous.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
The first part dragged on too long. The kids are very good - especially - the boy playing Chris, but it didn’t seem like it would ever get to the grown ups. Samantha Mathis was good as the older sister, but the whole play came alive when Susannah Flood showed up. I was afraid we had lost her to TV. I’m sorry her show was cancelled, but selfishly I’m glad she’s back on stage. Brad Herberlee was terrific too. It is amazing how real stage actors can elevate a so-so production. If you can make it through the first half you will be rewarded.
joined:10/13/15
joined:
10/13/15
Posted: 7/30/19 at 2:58pm