The Waverly Gallery

The Waverly Gallery

Golden Theatre

September 29, 2018

Photo courtesy of The Waverly Gallery

Kenneth Lonergan’s new play, The Waverly Gallery, is a heartbreaking glimpse into the effect Alzheimer’s has on a family.  The many layers of this serious affliction are explored in each character of the family unit.  Director Lila Neugebauer allows the space for each actor in the brilliant cast to discover the core of their emotional journey.  Each point of view offers a wide range of audience member the opportunity for an individual relatable experience.

Gladys Green (played by Elaine May) has run a small art gallery in Greenwich Village for decades.  It is now 1989, and her ability to independently care for herself is changing as fast as the neighborhood.  Her grandson, Daniel (played by Lucas Hedges), moved into the apartment behind hers.  Her daughter, Ellen (played by Joan Allen), is regrettably aware that there will soon come a time when Gladys will need to move in with her and her husband (played by David Cromer) on the upper West Side.  Gladys befriends a young artist, Don Bowman (played by Michael Cera) and agrees to sponsor a showing of his painting in her gallery.  Along with the sparingly attended opening comes the news that the landlord is evicting Gladys from the gallery.  The family falls into crisis mode as they face the downward spiral of Gladys’ mental health and the inevitable need for drastic changes in her life style. 

Elaine May, Michael Cera, & Lucas Hedges
Photo courtesy of The Waverly Gallery

Elaine May is warm and likable as Gladys.  During the course of the play, we experience the gradual decline in her mental well-being.  Her vibrancy falters and her ability to maintain a conversation diminishes.  Early on in the play Ms. May draws the audience so close to the caring and generous nature of her character that we cannot help but feel for her.  Lucas Hedges directly addresses the audience at times, so we view the story through his perspective.  His character’s closeness to his grandmother is compromised by the frustration brought on by her condition, yet he never loses the bond they share.  His closing monologue is skillfully delivered, showing the truthful and brutal effect this experience has had on his character.

Joan Allen portrays Gladys’ daughter Ellen as impatient and angry.  There is callousness in the way her character speaks about Gladys as if she is not in the room.  In a short scene in Act II, Ms. Allen shows a glimpse of the strength and courage Ellen will find to unconditionally care for her mother in her time of greatest need.  This moment is then followed by the closing monologue by Mr. Hedges, completing the journey of this family through their crisis and into compassion.

The Waverly Gallery is running on Broadway at the Golden Theatre.  It is a deeply cathartic experience.  Be sure to see it.

Domenick Danza