Theater Review: ÒAmyÕs ViewÓ

 

Lawrence performance understated, engaging

 

 

 

By DREW STERWALD, dsterwald@news-press.com

 Published by news-press.com on March 23, 2004

 

ThereÕs a line late in ÒAmyÕs ViewÓ that refers to actress Esme AllenÕs ability to underplay her technique in such a way that draws her audience toward her. She gets viewers to complete the picture sheÕs drawing.

ItÕs an apt summation of what happens when Carol Lawrence steps onstage as Allen in the Florida Repertory Theatre show. Playgoers might understandably expect Acting with a capital A from a singer-dancer whoÕs been in show business 50-plus years. On the contrary, Lawrence plays her emotional cards close to the chest, arousing the audienceÕs interest, rather than revealing her hand with a showy flourish. Her performance as the fading actress is nuanced and engaging.

 

You forget youÕre watching a star, the woman who created Maria in the original cast of ÒWest Side Story.Ó Instead, youÕre watching Esme Allen.

 

ÒAmyÕs ViewÓ revolves around AllenÕs career spiral and her sometimes strained relationship with her daughter, played by Rachel Burttram. Allen seems to accept her fate and her child with good grace, though the playÕs more dramatic than comedic.

 

Lawrence and Burttram work well together to make their relationship seem convincing, with some credit likely due director Michael Michetti as well.

 

Over the 16 years the play spans, Burttram invests real growth in her character. She goes from lovestruck to content to betrayed (all with the same pompous cultural critic played smartly by Greg Longenhagen). Her British accent is consistent and credible, though LawrenceÕs is more understated.

 

Speaking of Brits, playwright David Hare has a lot to say about his country. Characters debate city versus country living, high art and low — interesting sidebars to the plot, though some playgoers might have difficulty relating.

 

The richly detailed set designed by Jim Hunter effectively creates the atmosphere of a country estate, with French doors that open onto a terrace upstage and into a hallway stage-right. Sound designer David Upton brings the outdoors in when appropriate, with effects of chirping birds and running cars.

        

 

 

 

IF YOU GO

¥ What: ÒAmyÕs ViewÓ

¥ Who: Florida Repertory Theatre

¥ When: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday with occasional Saturday matinees through Sunday, April 11.

¥ Where: Arcade Theatre, 2267 First St., downtown Fort Myers.

¥ Tickets: $15-$32

¥ Information: Call 332-4488.