Frank Langella holds court at the American Airlines Theatre in Roundabout's revival of A Man for All Seasons. A history lesson of the best kind - powerful, enlightening, and educational. A top notch supporting cast and crew make this a tour de force evening in the theatre.
Doug Hughes provides impeccable direction in the interpretation of Robert Bolt's 1961 Tony Award winning play regarding the historical significance of Sir Thomas More - a well respected Lord Chancellor of England. At its core, the story deals with personal faith, moral authority, and the meaning of silence in the course of public affairs.
Sir Thomas More simply refused to join the Church of England after it's break from the Catholic Church in Rome and refused to speak and provide his opinion on the King's (Henry VIII) actions regarding his divorce from Catherine of Aragon and remarriage to Anne Boleyn. His actions of silence were deemed a capital offense as he appeared to challenge the King's conduct in "the great matter" of the divorce and remarriage. For not speaking, he was executed.
Langella is likely to pick up a Tony nod, if not his 4th actual one for this near flawless performance. Scenes intensely dramatic are peppered with humor. Monologues of great importance roll effortlessly off his tongue. Very human. Almost real. Totally Mesmerizing.
