The City
That’s right; you heard me. The City by Clyde Fitch is 100 years old, and while it shows its age in some of the dialogue and simplicity of sentiments, the play’s craft shows Fitch as a master of tightly written plotting. Because of his having adapted so many European plays for the American stage, he perfected the well-made play formula and when he began to write his own scripts, the technique served him well.
His last play The City (produced posthumously in 1909), is receiving a revival at the Group Repertory Company. Adapted to the present day by director Stan Mazin, the piece exposes the Rand family, which has lost its moral center under the influence of the New York City, the symbol of everything “modern.” Long ago, George Rand, Sr.( Group Rep veteran Klair Bybee), compromised his family, betraying his wife by fathering an illegitimate son and engaging in a series of underhanded business tactics that, ironically, won him respectability in his small town community. After his death, George Jr. (Hector Hank) moves the family to the big Apple, where they pursue their emptiest whims, buoyed by the wealth that George Jr. continues to accrue. George’s nomination to run for the senate precipitates a crisis on the eve of his marriage to socialite Eleanor Vorhees (Melissa Soso), and the family’s tight little world starts to fall apart, spurred on by his illegitimate half-brother, Fred Hannock (Glenn Bradshaw Collins).
Fitch’s second act pits Hannock against George Jr. in a finely tuned argument that signals the playwright’s brilliant technique. It is a written and well acted tour de force driven by the stellar Hector Hank as George. Since the play is centered on his moral dilemma, his role is pivotal to the success of the play as a whole and Hank does not disappoint. Supporting him is a more mannered Glenn Collins, although he holds his own in the climactic scenes. As Eleanor, Melissa Soso breathes humanity into a stereotypical role, while Trisha Hershberger as Megan creates an appealing little sister to George. Sadly, some of the rest of the cast is highly uneven, making it difficult for audiences to respond, especially in the first act. But for those hardy enough to return to the play, they are amply rewarded.
Under the direction of new artistic director, Ernie Figueroa, the company is moving in a positive direction as evidenced by this production. Budgets being what they are, it will take time to evolve the production elements that support The City. But Trefoni Michael Rizzi makes the most of a rudimentary setting and the sound is beneficial. Costumes for the women assembled by Maro K. Parian, however, seem to be unfortunate choices.
The City continues at Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood 91601, through February 28th, 2010, on Fridays, Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Ticket prices: $22.00 – students/seniors $17.00 – (818) 700-4878, or online at www.thegrouprep.org