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Backstage NY
Reviewed by Jeanette Toomer:
Presented at the Pantheon Theatre, 303 W. 42nd Street
Reviewed by Jeanette Toomer:
Presented at the Pantheon Theatre, 303 W. 42nd Street
A rich and elegant décor mirrors the excess of selfishness and blind power
examined in "A Leopard Complains of Its Spots." In this well-to-do family, a
young adult son conflicts with his parents while in tireless pursuit of meaning
and purpose for his life.
Author Kathleen Anderson Milne provides intelligent humor, loaded exchanges,
and sharply defined characters that fuel this tragic comedy as it nears its
fateful end. What is most remarkable is that there are big warning signs that
are willfully ignored by those who should care the most.
to complete this task, his tendency to romanticize the lives of famous writers, to
complete this task, his tendency to romanticize the lives of famous writers, and
his loathing of the family's wealthy lifestyle all contribute to his descent into
alcohol, depression, drug abuse, and finally suicide.
alcohol, depression, drug abuse, and finally suicide.
His busy corporate father (Richard Waddingham) is a loyal husband to his
cloying and controlling socialite wife (Marnie Pomerantz), exuding a subtle air
of importance. His wife's demands for a private romantic life and protection for
their "high society" reputation deflect his nagging concerns for his son.
Younger son Andrew (Evan Mueller) goes along with his mother's plot to send
troubled Wil away when she threatens to reveal to his father that he is gay and
living with a partner. But his mother's plan never reaches finalization because
Wil's love interest - their cook, Carmen (Kisha Tikina Burgos) - has to leave
abruptly to attend her father's funeral in Mexico. Alberto Bonilla played
Carmen's brother in scenes spoken entirely in Spanish.
Nancy Mayans' direction was smooth and flawless. Costumes by Robert Specht
looked perfectly tailored and highbrow. Chad Jung provided warm lighting and
a timeless classic look for the VanDusen home.
examined in "A Leopard Complains of Its Spots." In this well-to-do family, a
young adult son conflicts with his parents while in tireless pursuit of meaning
and purpose for his life.
Author Kathleen Anderson Milne provides intelligent humor, loaded exchanges,
and sharply defined characters that fuel this tragic comedy as it nears its
fateful end. What is most remarkable is that there are big warning signs that
are willfully ignored by those who should care the most.
to complete this task, his tendency to romanticize the lives of famous writers, to
complete this task, his tendency to romanticize the lives of famous writers, and
his loathing of the family's wealthy lifestyle all contribute to his descent into
alcohol, depression, drug abuse, and finally suicide.
alcohol, depression, drug abuse, and finally suicide.
His busy corporate father (Richard Waddingham) is a loyal husband to his
cloying and controlling socialite wife (Marnie Pomerantz), exuding a subtle air
of importance. His wife's demands for a private romantic life and protection for
their "high society" reputation deflect his nagging concerns for his son.
Younger son Andrew (Evan Mueller) goes along with his mother's plot to send
troubled Wil away when she threatens to reveal to his father that he is gay and
living with a partner. But his mother's plan never reaches finalization because
Wil's love interest - their cook, Carmen (Kisha Tikina Burgos) - has to leave
abruptly to attend her father's funeral in Mexico. Alberto Bonilla played
Carmen's brother in scenes spoken entirely in Spanish.
Nancy Mayans' direction was smooth and flawless. Costumes by Robert Specht
looked perfectly tailored and highbrow. Chad Jung provided warm lighting and
a timeless classic look for the VanDusen home.