Barrymore is a tour de force for an accomplished actor, who gets to play John Barrymore at the end of his career and life. It requires a performer of considerable talents. Since William Luce's play ran on Broadway with Christopher Plummer (in a Tony-winning performance), Dennis Parlato has a tough act to follow. Yet he surprises and delights as the dissolute, charming and great thespian. A veteran of the Summerfun Company some years back, Parlato has gone on to several Broadway musicals.
Returning to Montclair as John Barrymore, he establishes himself as an actor of considerable range and merit. The only other role, the unseen prompter, is well played by Ronald F. Mulligan. The end result is a credible audience pleaser.