The Gentleman
Caller
Abingdon Theatre Company
Cherry Lane Theater
May 26, 2018
Photo courtesy of Abingdon Theatre Company |
Philip
Dawkins’ play, The Gentleman Caller,
had a very successful New York City debut with Abingdon Theatre. Poetically written, the play chronicles the
meetings between Tennessee Williams and William Inge in 1944. Mr. Dawkins captures the unique voices of
both well-known American playwrights.
The action of the play reveals the sensitivity and personal turmoil that
drove the creativity, success, and emotional isolation of both men.
As
the Arts Critic for a newspaper in St. Louis, William Inge (played by Daniel K.
Isaac) meets with Tennessee Williams (played by Juan Francisco Villa) for an
interview a few months before the Chicago opening of The Glass Menagerie.
Tennessee Williams has not yet tasted the success that is just ahead of
him, and William Inge only dreams of becoming a playwright. Their meeting is fraught with conflict. Both men are heavy drinkers and highly
attracted to one another. Williams is excessively
flamboyant and openly speaks his mind, while Inge is closeted and turned off by
Williams’ brazen directness. When they
part, Inge gives Williams an early draft of his play to read.
Juan Francisco Villa & Daniel K. Isaac Photo courtesy of Abingdon Theatre Company |
Their
second meeting is a few months later, after The
Glass Menagerie has opened in Chicago.
The conflict and attraction between the two men accelerates. Inge confesses his overwhelming admiration
for Williams. Williams tells Inge that
his play is brilliant and passes the script to his agent. While Inge is invigorated by the opportunity
to start his life over as a playwright, Williams warns him of the dark abyss that
awaits him.
Daniel K. Isaac & Juan Francisco Villa Photo courtesy of Abingdon Theatre Company |
Juan
Francisco Villa portrays Tennessee Williams as a vibrant, energetic, and
brooding man who is very sure of himself.
He suffers from devastating mood swings, haunted by his sister Rose’s
“madness” and his fear of following in her path. Daniel K. Isaac portrays William Inge as
introverted, fearful, and refined with no self-confidence or self-empowerment. His despair leads him to attempt suicide
before this second meeting with Williams.
Director Tony Speciale keeps the tension between these two fine actors
building in both acts of the play, allowing the themes in Mr. Dawkins’ superb
writing to rise and stand strong. The
ending of the play is powerful and heartbreaking, as you see the path of both
men’s lives take a turn as a result of their meeting.
Scenic
design by Sarah C. Walsh is an outstanding combination of reality and
impressionism. Lighting by Zach Blane
and original music and sound design by Christian Frederickson enhance the
atmosphere of the setting and allows for introspective moments by both
characters.
Unfortunately,
the Abingdon Theatre production of The
Gentleman Caller closed on May 26.
Keep your eyes and ears open for future productions of this play and
additional works by playwright Philip Dawkins.
Domenick Danza
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