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Another Part of the Forest
By Lillian Hellman
Directed by William Brown
At Writers’ Theatre
325 Tudor Court
Chicago, IL
Call 847-242-6000, tickets $45 -$50 - $58
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 5 & 8 PM
Sundays at 2:30 & 6 PM
Weekday matinees at 2 PM on Nov. 1 & 8
Running time is 2 hours, 40 minutes with 2 intermissions
Through November 23, 2006
Gothic South saga comes to life in Lillian Hellman classic
If you’ve seen The Little Foxes, you know the Hubbard family. Another Part of the Forest is the prequel that explains how the Hubbard family came into prominence in1880’s Alabama. Many consider Another Part of the Forest to be a superior play to The Little Foxes. Director William Brown’s Writers’ Theatre production gives credence to that theory. This is a magnificent, sprawling old Southern melodrama filled with nasty folks whose wealth and immorality together with southern charm, manipulation, lies and intrigue blend to capture out attention. This show plays as if we’re in a time warp back to the antebellum South at the Hubbard mansion in Alabama in1880.
We meet the Hubbard family led by Marcus Hubbard (Joel Hatch at his commanding best) who made a fortune 15 years earlier by exploiting fellow Southerners during the Civil War. His oldest son Benjamin (Matthew Brumlow in a superb performance) is the shrewd, amoral rival who plots to unseat his father and steal his money. Regina (Kimberly Mellen in a sharp performance) is the sexual active daughter who longs to live in Chicago with a Southern aristocratic former Confederate officer John Bagtry (Timothy W. Hull). Oscar Hubbard (Matthew Holzfeind in an effectively manic and comical turn) pines for the whore Laurette Sincee (Audrey Francis). The father, Marcus tries to manipulate his children and has a disturbing closeness to his daughter Regina.
Lavina Hubbard (Penny Slusher in a terrific layered performance) and her maid/companion Coralee (Ira Carol) are religiously daffy folks largely ignored by the rest of the scheming family. In this play, the nasty folks dominate as the Hubbards play games on each other in a complex plot that deliciously plays out in the finest southern traditions.
This three act play has several clever plots twists, much deception and several strong confrontations that totally engages us. Sprinkled with irony, humor and biting rebukes, Hellman’s intelligent writing dominates. Add terrific Southern accents from this “A” list cast and Another Part of the Forest titillates. The father, Marcus dominates and Joel Hatch has him down as the patient patriarch who spouts in Greek and plays classical music while immorally controlling his sons and exploiting the locals. Penny Slusher as the daft mother, carries the late scenes marvelously while Matthew Brumlow slowly takes command of the Hubbard family as Ben in a measured and intense performance. You’d be hard pressed to find a stronger ensemble than the one director William Brown as assembled to carry this epic play.
Lillian Hellman fans will cherish this gem. I appreciate the polished presentation of a sprawling play that keeps us engaged through quick pacing and empathetic performances. Experiencing Another Part of the Forest is a fine premier of Hellman’s genius. This is a rare treat worth the ride to Glencoe.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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