Review by Neal Newman
March 23, 2024
Act II Playhouse in Ambler has produced a near-perfect revival of IT’S ONLY A PLAY. Terrence McNally, who has written such esteemed works as THE RITZ, FRANKIE AND JOHNNY, and RAGTIME, has devised the takedown ultimate of the terrible business known as Broadway theater. After all, appearing on stage in that arena requires an appalling mix of bravery, narcissism, and the ability to get up when knocked down. This comedy is inestimably wonderful for someone like me who has known decades of great successes and failures.
It’s not a brilliant farce like NOISES OFF, but McNally has a treasure trove of great lines and the ability to keep topping himself in hilarity. Indeed, he exposes that society’s hypocrisy and just plain meanness, but he also manages to imbue these people with a dose of sympathy.
Director Kevin Glaccum skillfully arranges an impressive ensemble production. The stage is usually filled with the entire cast, and they expertly play off each other like the professionals they are.
The setting is a room above an opening night party for a new play, where the NY Times review is tensely awaited. Tony Braithwaite is the TV star who thinks he despises Broadway but admits to only being seduced by the West Coast money. Braithwaite captures the character’s confusion as he navigates the evening, complementing people he hates. E. Ashley Izard is the leading actress with a remarkable capacity to ingest harmful drugs. To her, a “hit” is not a successful play. Izzard is better than a farce character needs to be. She brings many unique aspects to the character and is over-the-top in just the right way; Nick Cardillo pleases as a sleazy leather-clad British director, who is a critic’s darling because of his gimmick productions: a science fiction OEDIPUS or a TITUS done as French mime. After a dozen successes, he longs for failure. He’ll get it. Steven Wright is the play’s author, and after continually saying, “It’s only a play,” he leads everyone in a gospel-style prayer meeting for a favorable review. Megan McDermott is the delightfully daffy producer making her Broadway debut. She is a true theater dilatant who continually malaprops famous theatrical sayings. The only reason she is in the room is her wealth. Tom Teti exudes smugness as a vicious critic who proudly quotes his insults of years before. Unsurprisingly, he is a failed playwright. Finally, there is Nate Miles-Mclean as a coat check boy, who has just arrived in New York and hopes to make contacts for a showbusiness career. The entire evening is unforgettable as the actors enthusiastically deliver the comedy.
The centerpiece is an ACT II review from the Times classic of critical snark. No one escapes the wrath of a critic offended. My favorite incivility concerns the wealthy producer who “should have used her money to endow a hospital when she could have her head examined.”
Parris Bradley, James Leitner, and Katherine Fritz contribute significant contributions for set, lighting, and costumes.
You don’t have to be a “theater person” to love this production. Hypocrisy and narcissism seem to run through most professions.
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours plus an intermission. ACT II Playhouse presents IT’S ONLY A PLAY through April 14, 2024. 56 Butler Avenue, Amble, PA. Tickets can be obtained at Act2.org or by calling 215-654-0200