Susan Granger’s review of “The Year of Magical Thinking” (2006-2207 season)
Although Vanessa Redgrave is undoubtedly one of the greatest stage actresses of her generation, “The Year of Magical Thinking” can only be called troubling theater.
Joan Didion has adapted her eloquent, best-selling memoir about the death of her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne, and daughter, Quintana – two heart-wrenching events which occurred within a period of two years. Yet the theatrical version never achieves the emotional catharsis of its literary antecedent. Perhaps that because the triumvirate of Didion, Redgrave and director David Hare concentrate on some sort of sorrowful, grief-filled Everywoman plight, albeit with generous dollops of humor.
The evening begins with the dire, doomsday-like admonition: “This happened on December 30, 2003. That may seem a while ago, but it won’t when it happens to you.”
But it has happened to me – and probably to you. By the time you reach an age when you can actually afford a ticket to a Broadway play, inevitably, a tragedy or loss has occurred in your life – at least once, perhaps twice. There are the tense hospital encounters, often grotesque funeral arrangements and a detached, sanity-preserving numbness that permeates your consciousness. While I understand the cathartic value of theater, once you’ve lived these real-life experiences, why would you want to re-visit similar ones as an audience member trapped in an uncomfortable seat without even the mercy of an intermission during which to make a surreptitious escape?
Having said that, I must also tell you Vanessa Redgrave delivers a stunning performance. Clad in Ann Roth’s simple pale skirt and blouse, she dominates the austere 90-minute production, comfortably seated on Bob Crowley’s set, accented by Jean Kalman’s lighting with her monologue clarified by Paul Arditti’s sound. But is this really the way you want to spend an afternoon or evening on Broadway?