All My Sons

April 23rd, 2006
The Geffen Playhouse, Westwood
Play by Arthur Miller, we went with Troy

Starring Len "Sweeney Todd" Cariou, Laurie Metcalf (Jackie on Rosanne), Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser) and Amy Sloan.

This is theatre at its pinnacle. A beautifully written powerful play, flawlessly cast. Every beat of this play tracks, and not a line or moment is wasted. Laurie Metcalf's heart-wrenching portrayal as the mother who keeps the family secret was touching and pained and real. Len Cariou as the partriach who "wears the pants while she beats me with the belt" was empathetic even in the reveal. As Troy put it, he's an under-appreciated actor. I can't say too much or it would spoil it, but if you've read or seen the play, you know why it's such an important role. And Neil Patrick Harris' performance as the surviving son holding the family's faith together was equally strong and touching. Canadian actress Amy Sloan surprised us as the character with the most constrasting arc, matching these three seasoned actors stroke for stroke as the story built to its conclusion.

I wish all plays were this well cast, this well written, and had something as relevant and profound to say about personal responsibility. It just doesn't get any better than this.