A Theatrical Roller Coaster Ride
London, UK W1D 7EZ
+44 20 7494 5070
Tickets: GBP 15- GBP 42.50
Performances: M-Sa 7:45p; Tu & Sa 2:30p
Review © 2009, Wcities
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A Theatrical Roller Coaster Ride |
31 Shaftesbury Avenue London, UK W1D 7EZ +44 20 7494 5070 |
The opening scene anticipates all that follows as protagonists Alma and John watch fireworks burst through the air. While naturally a conversation between a preacher's daughter and a doctors' sensual son is reserved, their body language is all telling. In acclaimed American playwright Tennessee Williams' tragic love story (1911-1983), the angst, imagination, hope and passion between two people who rarely come in physical contact is shown so vividly that the audience is enveloped into the story. Their inability to communicate and fear of one another's moral and physical strengths create a struggle that continues throughout the play. John, a doctor within his father's office courts many women, including a crooked Mexican señora he almost marries and one of Alma's former voice pupils. Alma watches John from her window, rarely attempting to contact him. She feels burdened by her loony mother, but never takes action to change her situation. Just when it is obvious that Alma's, whose name means soul, spiritual presence is too much for her realist lover John, the tables turn. There are always remedies for the small pitfalls within this production. Plot twists pick up where secondary characters are one-sided, and dry sarcasm lightens the mood when the drama becomes too intense. The stage sets are minimal, but the small southern town atmosphere is easily felt. While taking place in 1916, there is nothing old-fashioned or out-played about its universal, modern themes. Even though Director Adrian Nobel's new performance contains feathered hats, old-town houses, it burns with intensity and honesty. As one of Tennessee William's second tier dramas – after The Glass Menagerie and Street Car Names Desire – Summer and Smoke still has a lot to offer. - Erin Podlipnik Tickets: GBP 15- GBP 42.50 Performances: M-Sa 7:45p; Tu & Sa 2:30p Review © 2009, Wcities |
 Summer and Smoke ( Apollo Theatre) Photo: Gretchen Shearer |
 Summer and Smoke ( Apollo Theatre) Photo: Rodney McKellip |
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