Christopher Gray reports back from a performance of Jon Robin Baitz's 2011 Broadway hit
Aformer cowboy film actor climbing the greasy pole of Republican politics in the US state of California — sound familiar? Of course it does. The shade of Ronald Reagan lingers over Jon Robin Baitz’s 2011 Broadway hit Other Desert Cities, now revived in a polished production, played in the round, at the Old Vic.
The action, in fact, post-dates the end of Hopalong’s presidency by a full 14 years, though we come to learn of events that hark back to it. George W. Bush is in power and his Iraq War of 2003 in full swing as the Wyeth family gathers for uneasy Christmas celebrations at their Palm Springs mansion, elegantly presented by designer Robert Innes Hopkins.
Partly there are political divisions. The paterfamilias Republican Lyman (Peter Egan) — an all-action hero of the past who always managed a good death on screen — might seem an easy-going figure but evidently holds the same reactionary views paraded, with great comic effect, by his immaculately turned out, tough cookie of a wife.
The superb Sinéad Cusack, as brittle Polly, rants over the familiar hate-groups — druggies, lefties and the like — placing her at permanent odds with both her sister and daughter, the wise-cracking recovering alcoholic Silda (Clare Higgins) and fragile Brooke (Martha Plimpton), who is just out of a long period of mental illness.
It is Brooke’s writing career that comes to be the big area of conflict, though. For her latest work, soon to reach the public, is a memoir of life in the family sure to torpedo the good name of its senior members. While her younger brother Trip (Daniel Lapaine) tries to keep the peace — a role for which his cheesy TV courtroom series possibly qualifies him — the others indulge in a far from merry ding-dong.
The polished quips heard throughout, entertaining as they are, seem far removed from everyday speech and confirm the staginess of what is offered under director Lindsay Posner. Or rather, one should say, its televisual qualities. The propensity of all involved to keep declaring how much they love each other does the same. It’s soppy/soapy.
Other Desert Cities
Old Vic, London
Until May 24
Box office: 0844 871 7628
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