Metropolitan Playhouse Presents

END OF SUMMER

by S.N. Behrman

220 East 4th St.
NY NY 10009
7 October-6 November 2016

Ah, to be wealthy in the 1930’s. No Depression can touch the Frothinghams. Even with Leonie and Sam’s unconventional, open marriage, daughter Paula is smart and well adjusted. A perfect family to welcome a variety of friends and acquaintances into their household. However, it is not the lefty activists that threaten this family, but a charming psychoanalyst who brings the danger.

The three-act formula that was the norm for plays up until the 1970’s is unwieldy to today’s theater audience.  END OF SUMMER is a three-act play that would have to move along quite crisply to blow the dust off of its musty style. Unfortunately, this production is neither crisp nor light on its feet. Even this terrific cast can’t keep the seams from creaking. What seemed frothy and charming onstage in 1936 now seems as fussy as a doily underneath your grandmother’s lamp. I hope to see these actors again in something else.

- Jean Tait -