![]() ![]() Striving for brutal realism, it instead comes across as faux misery. ![]() In a way, it’s emblematic of Yen on the whole. ![]() Graynor is not quite as effective - while she delivers a committed performance, she also comes across as too healthily pretty for her character’s dissipation to be entirely credible. The younger performers are excellent: Hedges’ quietly anguished Hench and Smith’s wired, emotionally volatile Bobbie provide a vivid contrast, while Owen (who plays Hugh Laurie’s daughter on the Hulu series Chance) is touching as the young woman whose good intentions go terribly awry. But these embellishments mainly smack of theatrical desperation, since the playwright never makes clear what she’s actually trying to say. Director Trip Cullman tries to energize the slow-paced proceedings with jarring sound effects and video projections, as well as shining bright lights directly into the audience’s eyes. Cast Breakdown: Main: Hench Male 16yr, Bobbie. Virtually nothing of interest happens in the overlong first act, although the playwright’s desire to shock becomes readily apparent. Yen explores a childhood lived without boundaries and the consequences of being forced to grow up on your own. The play’s descent into turgid, contrived melodrama at least rescues it from the tediousness that had preceded it. Bryan Cranston to Play Howard Beale on London Stage in 'Network' ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |