Summerfun is a true summer stock theater, changing shows every week, and as a result, the product varies greatly. Labor Day is one of its best successes, featuring a good cast in a well-directed, one-set play. Obviously autobiographical in part, the Gurney piece tells the story of John, a playwright, who for forty years has achieved moderate success although never a Broadway production. Surviving a recent bout with cancer, he finds that his latest and perhaps best play has attracted the interest of the Seattle Repertory Theater and the Shubert Organization for possible mounting on Broadway. Of course, John is asked to make changes, both by Dennis, the bright young director to whom he has given the play, and the playwright's family, who bridle at his having modeled characters in the play upon them. To John the issue is time; it is running out.
A family gathering on Labor Day brings matter to a head, with John ultimately choosing life over art. Director Moran has coached his cast to capture the brittle, sardonic wit of Gurney in a fast-paced production. R. Paul Hamilton is excellent as the playwright with a conscience. In the less appealing role of the wife, Mary Coburn is convincing. Greg Arata and Margaret Catov are also quite good playing the couple's children. Joseph Pazillo complete the good cast, playing the young stage director enamored with the playwright's works.
