Bruce Norris' book is a gem. The concept of a "then and now" production is not new, but he has brilliantly crafted a story that demonstrates just how far we've come - and at the same time - how little has changed. Except for Annie Parisse, I'd not heard of anyone in the cast, but i must say a skilled ensemble all around.
One of the most brilliant aspects of this production (i am not sure if this is how it was intended or just a stroke of genius of the director) is how the entire cast in act one is recycled in act two as other characters. It makes sense since they are really totally separate stories bound together by a common thread - the house.
Act I tells the story of Bev (Kristina Kirk) and Russ (Frank Wood) in 1959 and the house they had to sell (no spoilers here) and to whom they elected to sell it.
Act II tells the tale of the same house in 2009 - in much worse shape - and the couple that tries to buy it. In each time period we are given a glimpse into the internal workings of family, society, and prejudice.
We've certainly changed on many fronts, but then again, perhaps the shoe has just changed feet.
We've certainly changed on many fronts, but then again, perhaps the shoe has just changed feet.