Audience Member
This odd production seems to copy every overused theatrical trope that Ivo von Hove has exploited in every production I've seen by him: a shower is installed upstage and Jack O'Connell (Brick) stands under it butt naked several times while water pours over him. The birthday cake for Big Daddy is set on the floor in the middle of the stage and sure enough: Big Mama finally tears it apart and tosses it around the stage so actors tramp through it for the remainder of the act, as well as Brick finally strewing his ice cubes--looks like the typical Ivo mess at the end of any production. As if this weren't bad enough, the antiquated, wordy nature of Williams' play is glaring brought to light: for hours we seem to hear Sister Woman's comic parody of an obnoxious, greedy Southerner; Big Daddy makes every point at least 2-3 times (although Colm Meany provides one of the more modulated, bearable performances), Maggie the cat's first act rambling monologue truly gets on one's nerves and Brick's repressed homosexuality which he obstinately claims is his "one pure thing" becomes laughable, even though O'Connell commits himself fully to this out-dated example of repressed sexuality from back in the day when even a hint of homosexuality would get you beaten senseless by good old straight white boys, which Brick has masqueraded as for years.The odd, symbolic scenery distracts as you see characters groping on the floor for whiskey bottles and ice cubes or can't overlook the lone shower head visible throughout. The final scene with both Brick and Maggie butt naked again may be enough to make you want to sit through this three-hour mess, but only if you're completely desperate.
Rated 1.5/5 Stars •
Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars
01/21/23
Full Review
alex w
A brilliant theatrical production, directing, and acting. After watching preposterous National Theatre Live production oh "Hamlet" last year, I was hesitant and rather skeptical before this show.. But "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" turned out to be a masterpiece.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Read all reviews
>
