Long Day's Journey Into Night
"The past is the present, isn't it? It's the future, too" These are the words said by Mary Tyrone midway through the first act of Long Day’s Journey Into Night. This line perhaps more than anything summarizes the story of this American family. Through three and three-quarters hours on high simmer, the ingredients in our pot don’t seem to change as much as simply thicken.
This is the American classic by Eugene O’Neill, lauded by many as one of the great dramatic works, is beyond a doubt worthy of its praise. My daughter Hannah and I would consider this part of the core curriculum of the American theater experience. These are from the list of plays that are essential viewing for the serious theatergoer. Our experience at the play far exceeded meeting our class requirements.
Gabriel Byrne and Jessica Lange as James and Mary Tyrone
The actors:
Jessica Lange – little needs to be said about the cinematic and theater pedigree of this star among stars. The way her layers of acting unfold is mesmerizing. The subtle and never-over-stated differences between the high and low, happy and sad, intoxicated and withdrawing matriarch showcase the skills of this extraordinary performer. Last seen by me in A Streetcar Named Desire in 1992, this actor’s skills have continued to evolve while her beauty has been maintained.
Gabriel Byrne – I have been following him since his performance in the film Miller’s Crossing, with what I would consider some career highs and lows along the path. Actually being from Dublin, he flawlessly fills the role of this family’s Irish patriarch.
Michael Shannon – If you Google the name, you will realize there has been a bit of a Michael Shannon mania over the past few years. In my opinion, this has been his most naturalistic and comfortable role.
John Gallagher Jr. - is a family favorite. Since his small but devastating part in the play Rabbit Hole, I have found his stage presence captivating and his performance here does not disappoint.
Each actor provides us with soliloquies that fully reveal what brought them to this long day. Each one nurtures our compassion for their challenging plight.
The production:
As has been stated in prior reviews, we are big fans of the ninety-minute production. It is rare that we leave a two-hour plus show without first criticizing the over-run. I had great trepidation approaching this almost four-hour production but not a minute is anything short of enthralling. The extended time frame allows for a degree of character development that would be impossible to achieve in the short format. We were entertained from beginning to end and could even consider a second round.
If you see it, be prepared the for long haul – plan your eating and bathroom breaks – a woman in our row even had camping equipment (true story).
I can offer no criticism of Eugene O’Neill’s classic. It is worthy of all of the prizes (Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tony for Best Play) hailed upon it. The story on the surface is that of drug addiction. The 400-pound gorilla, however, is the Irish whiskey that sits on the center table of the stage and in the center of the story. It is worthy of almost being a named character for it participates in every element of each character’s lives as they fret about the devastating effects of substance abuse. In the setting of recent current events, e.g. the untimely death of Prince, this isn’t only a 20th-century classic but has true current relevance.
“We are such things as rubbish is made of, so let’s drink up and forget it.”
“I fell in love with James Tyrone and was so happy for a time.” It is no spoiler alert in telling you these words come from Mary at the end of our story. Our evening teeters on the precipice of an abyss and when the play concludes we realize that this abyss is where the family has lived all along. It has been a long journey that hasn't gone very far.
2016 Tony Nominations for Long Day's Journey Into Night - Best Revival of a Play, Best Performance By an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play - Gabriel Byrne, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play - Jessica Lange, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play - Michael Shannon, Best Direction of a Play - Jonathan Kent, Best Lighting Design of a Play - Natasha Katz, Best Costume Design of a Play - Jane Greenwood
- JMG
Side Notes:
We may have been seeing a great American play but the date was May 5th and Cinco de Mayo was calling. Temerario is a new restaurant that opened this winter on 8th Avenue in Chelsea and features Mexican street food. The scene is lively and festive. The food is uniquely served and just delicious. Joel and I shared guacamole, ceviche and chicken enchiladas in mole and we loved every bite. - MSG
