Theater Review: Born Yesterday

Nina Arianda Shines in Broadway Debut
By Lauren Yarger
Stepping into shoes once filled by Judy Holliday in both the original stage production and the 1950 film adapted from it might prove daunting for some, but Nina Arianda, making her Broadway debut as Billie Dawn in the revival of Garson Kanin’s Born Yesterday leaves any memories in the dust.

Arianda is brilliant as the showgirl lacking in social graces who tries to improve herself to fit in with the swells hobnobbing in the 1946 political scene in Washington DC.

Jim Belushi plays her brash boyfriend, Harry Brock, a crooked junk business operator looking to expand his operations through bribing Sen.Norval Hodges (Terry Beaver) and some legal maneuvering by his morally sold-out attorney, Ed Devery (Frank Wood). His loud and awkward mistress is a contrast to the type of refined woman accepted in Washington society, like the senator’s wife, Mrs. Hodges (Patricia Hodges), however, so Brock hires reporter Paul Verrall (Robert Sean Leonard) to smooth her rough edges and educate her.

The effervescent Billie throws herself into the task, discovering Brock’s true character and his intentions to use her in some shady business dealings. Meanwhile, Verrall finds himself increasingly attracted to the delightful, big-hearted, easy going girl.

Director Doug Hughes coaxes excellent performances from the actors and gives them room to develop really interesting characters: Brock becomes increasingly obnoxious; Billie blossoms in intelligence and confidence and Devery fades into self loathing. It’s funny, savvy and surprisingly contemporary. It’s also easy to look at thanks to Catherine Zuber’s lovely period costumes and John Lee Beatty’s opulent hotel suite. Subtle touches, like having Mrs. Hodges’ mauve suite stand out against the gaudy orangey color of the sofa in Brock’s suite, are a nice collaboration to bring the message home of two worlds clashing.

All of the performances are first rate, but Arianda’s not-so-dumb blonde, nasal laughs and perfect comedic timing are what propel the play into one of the most enjoyable times at the theater this season. I'm guessing she might just give Frances McDormand (Good People) a run for the Best Actress Tony.
Born Yesterday plays at the Cort Theatre, 138 West 48th St., NYC. Discounted tickets are available at http://www.givenik.com/show_info.php/Masterworks/311/individual.
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