The Front Page — StageWrite Post

3 out 5 stars

The Front Page is fun! My usual trepidation in approaching theater such as this is based on an aversion to zaniness . . . and The Front Page is zany. The depth of this star-studded cast served to quell my concerns . . . and the cast is star-studded.

The opportunity to see John Goodman in live theater is rare and in my opinion not to be missed. Jefferson Mays, recently seen in Oslo is another favorite actor who never fails to “put on a show.” And, of course, Nathan Lane provides a “must see” element to everything he’s in.

The entire story takes place in The Press Room where the newspaper men gather for the pending execution of a convicted cop killer. “Hanging” in the balance is the effect this execution will have on the political futures of Sheriff Hartman (John Goodman) and The Mayor (Dann Florek). It is quite likely that in 1928 when The Front Page was first produced (written by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur and directed by Jack O'Brien), these topics provided more fertile ground for comedy. I understand that tweaks were provided to bring the story up to 21st century politically correct standards. Never-the-less there is some chilling effect in viewing the win-at-all-cost attitude of these politicians, even if it may involve the hanging of a possibly innocent man. The next Tuesday they refer to in the play is our actual election day. Theatre verité.

John Slattery, as Hildy Johnson, provides a consistent, solid nucleus for the large and diverse cast of characters as he struggles to leave the nicotine stained world of Chicago journalism for the purer climes of the New York business world – but just one last story. Homage must also be paid to the venerable Robert Morse, playing Mr. Pincus. He has achieved royalty status on stage, film, and television and for good reason.

And then, the somewhat delayed entry of the Editor-in-Chief Walter Burns (and King of Broadway), Nathan Lane. The booster rocket of his presence elevates the show as well as the stage itself. He is comedic timing personified. As you sit in your seat, he provides complete confidence that you will be well taken care of.

Holland Taylor, Sherie Rene Scott and Halley Feiffer provide welcome feminine wile to this man’s world story. Ms. Feiffer is the lure that pulls John Slattery to a decent life and Ms. Taylor is her mother, whose standards are antithetical to life in the press room. They provide excellent fuel to this comedic adventure.

Broadway royalty - Nathan Lane, Robert Morse, Holland Taylor

The evening is thoroughly entertaining. This is, however, a 1928 comedy, which for me provides a bit of an archeological expedition feeling, somewhat as expected.

Why we went: Star power and the King.

JMG

Side notes: Le Grainne Cafe, located at 183 Ninth Avenue (at W 21st), is a restaurant we have enjoyed for brunch but never tried for dinner and we were delighted with our pre-theater meals. The spaghetti bolognaise and chicken braillard were both excellent and fairly priced. The cafe is located in one of the oldest buildings in Chelsea and the tin ceiling and walls provide an authentic Parisian feel.