Review: BORN YESTERDAY Still Sizzles Today At The Alley Theatre

Garson Kanin's BORN YESTERDAY premiered on Broadway in 1946, and seventy years later it still entertains and gently enlightens. Regardless of the time period, the play is far more relevant than you'd think. Directed by Jonathan Moscone, the play is about wealth, political corruption, education and opportunity. As we drag along into the current presidential election, there is plenty to say on these topics, and evidently Kanin felt the same way back in the forties.

Meet Harry Brock. He's abrasive, abusive, self-centered, and has made millions as a junk dealer. He's turned up in Washington D.C. to bribe a congressman into passing legislation that would turn an even bigger profit to his company. Harry soon realizes that his unpolished girlfriend may put a wrench in his plans to connect with powerful people, and so he hires a journalist, Paul Verrall, to tutor her.

The Alley gives a spirited production complete with strong performances and a gorgeous set. Stephen Pelinski is so good at playing the cranky Harry Brock that his performance is more like an actualization than a portrayal. Harry is crude, he's controlling, he's tough and brutish. And maybe not as smart as he thinks.

Who else to outfox him but his ditzy ex-showgirl girlfriend, Billie Dawn? Played by Melissa Pritchett, Billie is rough around the edges, dim-witted (or maybe just unlearned), and not a little sensual with her red curls and curvy figure. Pelinski and Pritchett have many hilarious interactions throughout the show, especially when they play a tense game of cards after having one of their many arguments. Billie is bawdy and adorable, naive and teachable, and it's no wonder that Paul Verrall, warmly played by Jay Sullivan, succumbs to her charms. Pritchett and Verrall have a strong chemistry that echoes the dynamics of Pygmalion, especially in the scenes when he is teaching her new words and ideas from the daily newspaper. Sullivan is idealistic and kind as the tutor that Harry assigns to Billie.

The rest of the cast is at the standard Alley Theatre level, which is to say excellent. Jeffrey Bean is wonderfully sketchy as the crooked Ed Devery, Harry's manager. John Tyson is funny and adorable as Eddie Brock, Harry's father. Elizabeth Bunch is always a welcome presence and plays the wife of a senator with grace and charm.

The story plays out on a lush set, thanks to designer Hugh Landwehr. The sumptuous hotel room is beautifully decorated, complete with a view of the capitol building.

The play is very cleverly written, with lines that play off each other and create great comedic moments, especially for Billie Dawn. Billie squawks like a truck driver every time Harry calls (well, barks, actually) to her, she makes fast friends with the dictionary in her quest to learn, and she has to use her fingers to count up her points in a card game. BORN YESTERDAY freshens up political themes with a lot of much-needed humor and fun. It's not deep, it's not inflammatory, but it's just right if you need some laughs.

BORN YESTERDAY will be playing in the Hubbard Theatre from June 3 through July 3.

For Tickets:https://www.alleytheatre.org/plays/production-detail/born-yesterday

Photo Credit: Lynn Lane