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.