I saw Come Back Little Sheba last night. I think it's quite wonderful. S. Epatha Merkerson (born Sharon Epatha Merkerson) has gotten deservedly good notices. The production has gotten mixed reviews, some loving it and some saying the play is dated and tired. The two tiresome women sitting next to me were in the latter category, although they didn't become tiresome until intermission and the second act. I hoped as they got up near the end of the intermission that they would be leaving. No such luck. They didn't like the show. That's all well and good, believe me, I've sat through some bad theatre in my time. I've also sat through bad theatre that other people thought was wonderful. It's all a matter of opinion. But these two were BORED out of their (very tiny) minds by this unbelievable play.
"People don't behave like that"
"Well, maybe they did or do in the midwest but it doesn't happen here"
"I was so bored I tried to go to sleep!"
"It's painfully boring"
Well, honey, if you're so unhappy, go home and leave us alone. Unfortunately, they decided to go down to the refreshment que about five minutes before the intermission was over. They purchased a cellophane package of peanuts which they brought back to their seats. They decided to open said peanuts after the lights went down and Act 2 began. I do think part of the fault here lies with Manhattan Theatre Club for selling cellophane packages of peanuts at intermission so thoughtless idiots who shouldn't be in a public setting to begin with can buy and eat them. They got many looks every time they rustled the cellophane and chewed the f***ing nuts. They finally got the message but not after one of the dumb as a box of rocks women decided she needed to wash down her peanuts with a long and loud swig of water from her bottle. I kept hoping she and her friend would choke on the peanuts but my thoughts went unanswered.
Anyway, I do think the production was excellent. The set was beautiful and the cast was excellent. Merkerson as Lola was a standout but Zoe Kazan as the boarder, Marie, was a real treat. I do think the play is a period piece but if done well, it still works and can be very powerful. It was well directed and beautifully performed. Kevin Anderson as Doc (Lola's husband) was marvelous and pulled off the confusion, anger, despair and fear in his character. The scene where he returns after falling off the wagon was dynamite. I had seen parts of the film but I never read the play so I'm very glad I was able to see this production.
