'Clydebourne Park' by Bruce Norris

Poster from Putney Arts Centre

I saw this production at The Putney Arts Centre, directed by Ian Higham.
This was a very enjoyable performance of both a witty and meaningful play. I had never seen or heard of this play before and immediately appreciated it. Later did I find out it was the most successful new play of 2011and is the only play to ever win the Pulitzer Prize for drama as well as the Olivier, Evening Standard and Tony awards.
The twist of how a Chicago neighborhood turns from elitely white to black is clever and I like the way the characters in the first act all play the characters in the second act.

Set for Act One
Photography by: Marina Bussandri

In this production Michael Rossi gave a strong performance as Russ, the All-American husband in Act One. Richard Brent was incredible in both his roles of Karl in Act one and Steve in Act two.

Scene from Act One
Photography by: Marina Bussandri

Some of the other acting was not so credible but the play was great nevertheless. I was impressed with the staging. In Act one it was the living room of a house in the neighborhood, which held histories. There was the front door of the house which led into it and a staircase that led up from it. Both were believable and used well. The lighting outside the 'front door' of the house was incredibly realistic of daytime and added to the idea of the house being part of the neighborhood, instead of singling the set out as a random house with no surroundings.
The Reverand character in Act One wore a wig (he was bald and used that look in Act Two). I understand needing to make a distinction between the two characters however the wig used was almost like an Elvis wig which was very distracting and in conjunction with the actor's terribly false American accent, almost took the play into a level of slapstick rather than actual humor.
However on the whole I really enjoyed this show, and was amazed at some of the performances given.

Scene from Act Two
Photography by: Marina Bussandri

DirectorIan I

Ian Higham

Director
Ian Higham

Cast
Russ/Dan - Michael Rossi
Bev/Kathy - Amanda Benzecry
Karl/Steve - Richard Brent
Betsy/Lindsey - Elly Lacey
Francine/Lena - Ade Gbinigie
Albert/Kevin - Brian Yansen
Jim/Tom - Charles Golding

Ian Higham

Cast
Russ/Dan - Michael Rossi
Bev/Kathy - Amanda Benzecry
Karl/Steve - Richard Brent
Betsy/Lindsey - Elly Lacey
Francine/Lena - Ade Gbinigie
Albert/Kevin - Brian Yansen
Jim/Tom - Charles Golding