Quick Hit Theater Review: Picnic

Reed Birney and Elizabeth Marvel. Photo:Joan Marcus

Picnic

By William Inge

Directed by Sam Gold

Roundabout Theatre Company 

What’s It All About?

On the surface, preparations for a abor Day picnic in a smal Kansas town; Below the surface, relationships and sexual longng. When headturning drifter Hal Carter (Sebatian Stan) blows into town, the women suddely have something to talk about. Especially taken with him is beautiful Madge Owens (Maggie Grace), who ends up having to decide whether to folow him when he's forced out of town, or staybehind with boring, but steadier beau Alan Seymour (Ben Rappaport), the choice of her mother, Flo (Mare Winningham) and secret interest of mousy sister, Millie (Madeline Martin).

What are the Highlights?

Anytime Ellen Burstyn is on a New York stage, it’s a treat. She stands out here as older Helen Potts, who'se not oblivious to Hal's good looks. She lights up the stage whenever she’s on it. It’s also fun to see Mare Winningham, though her role doesn’t begin to tap her abilities. Elizabeth Marvel adds some much needed humor as neighbor Rosemary, who begs her boyfriend, Hward (Reed Burney) to make her an honest woman by mrrying her. It's a simpler time.

What are the Lowlights?

The 1953 play, presented in three acts, is probably too “old school” to keep us entertained today. The women have little to do except sit around hoping to find a man. 

More information:

Roundabout presented in a limited engagement on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre.  

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-- God’s name taken in vain