The Young Man from Atlanta

The Young Man from Atlanta

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

November 9, 2019

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Horton Foote’s Pulitzer Prize winning The Young Man from Atlanta is back at Signature Theatre where it premiered twenty-four years ago.  The production is directed by Michael Wilson, who guides this stellar cast straight to the heart of Mr. Foote’s writing.  Aiden Quinn and Kristine Nielsen deliver rich performances layered with backstory and subtext.  Mr. Foote’s themes ring with vivid clarity as the characters struggle to regain their sense of value in a changing world.

It is 1950 in Houston Texas.  Will Kidder (played by Aiden Quinn) has just been let go from the company where he has worked for thirty-eight years.  He decides right away to start a company of his own, yet realizes it will be difficult to raise the funds because he has just built a new home for himself and his wife, Lily Dale (played by Kristine Nielsen).  They lost their son to a swimming accident six months ago, and are struggling to face the facts involved in the incident.  Their late son’s friend from Atlanta has been calling and visiting.  Lily Dale is comforted by these calls, but Will refuses to see him.  When Lily Dale admits that she gave money to the young man from Atlanta, Will feels betrayed.  They have to be honest with one another if they are to move through the challenges they face. 

Aiden Quinn & Kristin Nielsen
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Aiden Quinn brings the depth, grounding, and stubbornness required for the role of Will Kidder.  While you feel for him, you also see the changes he needs to undergo in order to survive.  Kristine Nielsen brings humor and charm to the role of Lily Dale.  She delivers genuine moments of heartfelt grief and fear that display the complexity of her character.  Stephen Payne is warm and strong as Pete Davenport, Lily Dale’s stepfather.  Jon Orsini is glib and energetic as Pete’s great nephew, Carson.

The Young Man from Atlanta is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through December 15.  It is an excellent production of a riveting play.

Domenick Danza