Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (member, American Theatre Critics Association; Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography
Craig Bentley, Mark Rademacher
Hilarious and Poignant “Harry”
In its Michigan Premiere at Meadow Brook Theatre, “Harry Townsend’s Last Stand” manages to be powerful, and funny, and bittersweet, all at the same time. It touches on a subject that is relevant to everyone, but that everyone wants to avoid talking about – what happens when we grow old. People are living longer than ever before, as families face the challenges of aging. This new play could be one of the most important works to come along in recent years.
It began life as a prize-winning short story by George Eastman, a retired Massachusetts teacher turned playwright, based on his own family. It changed titles a couple of times, gained admirers in Hollywood and New York, and built momentum in a staged reading off-Broadway. It then opened at the New York City Center’s Stage II to a sold-out performance in early December 2019. It was so popular with audiences and critics that its run was extended to April 2020.
It’s easy to see why. The story is so well written and unfolds in such a charming way, you can’t help but be drawn in. Pathos and sorrow are generously leavened with gentle humor and raunchy wisecracks. There is something so familiar about these people, these situations; the conversations are natural-sounding, the characters are irresistible, and real.
The trouble with Harry, an 84 year-old widower, is that he’s in stubborn denial about his declining health and growing dependence on his two middle-aged children. He’s a dynamo: a former local radio personality who helped build the lakeside community in Vermont where he has lived for many decades, in the lovely house he shared with his late wife. Harry falls a lot but refuses to use a walker. He has major health issues but won’t see a doctor. He does reckless things and scares his family. He has treasured lifelong memories, but can’t remember what was said five minutes ago. He has an endless supply of racy jokes and outrageous comments.
His son, Alan, a successful real estate agent in Southern California, is in Vermont visiting Harry for the weekend. Soon long-simmering tensions between the two boil to the surface. His twin sister (away with her new husband in New York) had been staying with Harry as his caregiver, but it’s getting to be too much for her, and a big change is in the wind. Harry has a decision to make, but doesn’t want to make it.
Craig Bentley, Mark Rademacher
The two male cast members are effective counterpoints – contrasting personalities in the father/son dynamic that are interesting to watch. MBT, TV and film veteran Mark Rademacher is simply wonderful as the spirited, gregarious Harry, grappling with the defiant desire for independence and the fear of the unknown. And another MBT and NYC veteran Craig Bentley, as strait-laced, intensely subdued Alan, captures a son’s frustration mixed with love. Both have great comic timing, a rare talent and really essential to this show.
The set by Brian K Kessler is picture-perfect, representing a lovingly handcrafted home. The dramatic lighting by Brian Debs is a vital part of the story.
Director Travis Walter has done it again – his strong instincts for storytelling, pacing and natural dialogue drive the events. The show’s nearly two hours fly by, and you leave wanting to know more about this family, and how similar they may be to your own.
Now through April 16, 2023
Tickets $37 to $46
Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall
Oakland University
378 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 377-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
A special note: As Covid-19 is a constantly changing situation, MBT will be monitoring and adhering to the guidance given by the CDC, the State of Michigan, the Actor’s Equity Association, and Oakland University. Check the Meadow Brook Theatre website at www.mbtheatre.com for the latest information on efforts to keep everyone safe.
This theater operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers of the United States. The theater operates under the agreement with the International Alliance of Theatre Stage employees, Local 38.
Meadow Brook Theatre’s season is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kresge Foundation, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.
