The Paris Letter

February 23, 2008
Skirball Center, LA Theatre Works
Play, by John Robin Baitz
we went with Pam

Starring: (original cast) Ron Rifkin, John Glover, Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Radnor and Patricia Wettig.

To quote Playbill: "The Paris Letter centers on the life of a Wall Street hotshot (Rifkin) who struggles to escape a past that he has repressed. As the years wear on, it catches up with him and threatens both his personal and professional lives. The story is introduced and narrated by his lifelong homosexual friend who is armed with the titular piece of mail."

All the actors were quite natural and engaging.
That said, I personally found it very hard to feel sorry for Sandy (Rifkin) as we watch him destroy his life and that of those around him. Perhaps we aren't meant to empathize with him. The play, spanning 40 years, jumping backwards and forwards, has some real surprises, and some great dialogue and exchanges between characters. And I can't imagine a more engaging cast (despite the way the lead character is written) in a play that's chockablock with character development. I especially loved Patricia Wettig in her dual roles as Sandy's wife and later, mother. Both performances were full of life. And John Glover (you may remember him from Love! Valour! Compassion!) is a gifted actor with whom you feel immediate empathy. Particularly important for this role.

(Ron Rifkin, John Glover)

The play is always described as a tragedy, and for good reason. We certainly didn't see the ending coming. But it's really about the damage of self-denial and self-loathing, and more sadly, how it touches and punishes all those around you.



This play was done for radio broadcast and preservation by L.A. Theatre Works, a marvelous organization that preserves the works of great playwrights. Once edited together from the 5 or so performances, it will be broadcast on XM Satellite radio and National Public Radio as well. And it will eventually be available for purchase on CD.