BROADWAY SNAP-SHOT
by Russell Bouthiller

Dateline: March 17, 2008

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

He brines himself in bourbon and she hungers for his manly attention. Daddy's dying and Momma's just trying to hang on. This is a house of pain, built by one of America's greatest playwrights, Tennessee Williams, and his Pulitzer-winning play, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, is arguably his most scorching look at the institution of marriage.

In this latest Broadway revival—there have been four before it—the Pollitts are a black family of comfortable means. A departure from the original conception which takes place in 1950s Mississippi, this production offers a racial reconfiguration with the blessings of the Williams' estate. That this revival is set in no specific decade points up the idea that, regardless of race, we all hold in common the domestic drama. And, this, of course, is right where the playwright lives?

In the role that brought Elizabeth Ashley renown and Elizabeth Taylor a leading man prettier than she, Tony-winner Anika Noni Rose prowls the stage of the Broadhurst as the feline femme, Maggie. Paired off with a leading man who is equal in looks to Paul Newman, Oscar-nominee Terrence Howard stumbles through as Brick, just waiting for that gratifying "click" he gets from the liquor.

Bellowing as Big Daddy is our national treasure, James Earl Jones. His last Broadway performance in the revival of ON GOLDEN POND earned him yet another Tony nomination for the two-time winner. With the award season just around the corner, it will be no surprise to see this eminent actor's name on a few smart lists.

Playing Big Momma is director Debbie Allen's sister, Phylicia Rashad, recent Tony-winner for her performance in RAISIN IN THE SUN. Film and stage veteran Giancarlo Esposito greases it with lots of oil as Grooper, the scheming brother. And, Lisa Arrindell Anderson as his grasping wife, Mae, makes a very convincing conniver.

Set designs by Ray Klausen evokes the play's delta locale and lighting concepts by William H. Grant, III, keep the temperature nice and sultry. Costume designs by Jane Greenwood are finished with panache, finely accenting some very handsome players. And, Debbie Allen, making her Broadway directorial debut, presents no shortage of surprises for this familiar favorite. CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, one of the hottest tickets in town.