Matthew Holtzclaw, a young writer from Florida, has written a gripping Southern play, mostly about people who are psychologically heavily damaged or deteriorated in some way -- survivors of the garbage heap of working class life, including "special" ones: retarded, palsied, autistic, alcoholic. It's a very special piece of theater, and Holtzclaw has a keen ear for the idiosyncrasies of Southern working-class speech. A repressed young man who cares for his handicapped twin brother meets a lost young woman who is sinking into alcohol.
The play, Cane's Bayou, is about the effect they have on each other and on lives of those around them. Rachel Plotkin, a tall, beautiful actress, with a sense of humor, fine timing, and the ability to play nuance, is riveting. She has the potential of a Julia Roberts -- she shines as the girl. Michael McElroy and Betsy Winchester are particularly good as two retarded people, and the rest of the cast are all quite enjoyable. Holtzclaw, in the role of the young man, is a fine and subtle actor as well as a strong dramatic playwright -- one to watch for.
Opened:
August 14, 2004
Ended:
August 25, 2004
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Matchbook Theater Company
Theater Type:
off-off-Broadway
Theater:
Schaeberle Studio
Theater Address:
Pace University: 41 Park Row
Genre:
Drama
Review:
Cast:
Michael McElroy, Betsy Winchester, Rachel Plotkin
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
August 2004
