Friday, September 19, 2014

THE LITTLE FOXES @ Cleveland Play House

September 12-October 5, 2014

Bob Abelman

It is near impossible not to like everything there is about Lillian Hellman’s “The Little Foxes” and Cleveland Play House’s delectable production of it.  Southern-fried family dysfunction at its finest.

To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here.

Roy Berko

Lillian Hellman’s “The Little Foxes” is a classic American play which probes into the values, ethics and morals of a group of southerners at the turn of the century.  This is a play and production well worth seeing thanks to Hellman’s writing, Kepley’s directing, the excellent acting, and well-conceived technical aspects.  It makes for a fine opening offering in this, CPH’s ninety-ninth year.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.


Kerry Clawson
 
Lillian Hellman’s 1939 drama "The Little Foxes" presents an intriguing series of character studies in this tale of greed and betrayal among family members.

This chilling production at Cleveland Play House dives into the dark, ugly side of human beings as we watch the ruthless Hubbard siblings — Regina, Oscar and Ben — in their efforts to manipulate and even destroy one another. ... Cleveland native Maggie Lacey is fascinating as Regina Hubbard Giddens, who’s heartless at best as she uses both her invalid husband Horace and her daughter Alexandra (Megan King) for her own selfish plans.


 To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.

Howard Gollop

Cleveland Play House artistic director Laura Kepley infuses a lot of energy and muscle into Lillian Hellman's wicked parlor drama "Little Foxes." Unlike traditional productions or the film version with the cooly demure Bette Davis, the Play House production seems like an altogether different show.

 As the play begins and the wicked Regina commences to battle her conniving brothers for a boost to the family fortune, this Regina (Maggie Lacey) comes across less like Miss Davis and more like Debbie Reynolds in  "Unsinkable Molly Brown." I half expected to see the company break out into a rousing rendition of "I Ain't Down Yet."


Mark Horning

“The Little Foxes” brings together the finest that Cleveland theater has to offer; an excellent work combined with superb acting by an exceptionally experienced and professional cast, a great set, elegant costuming, superb lighting and sound.  In short, it made the Allen Theatre seem bigger that it actually was.  This is great a theater as you will find anywhere in the world.     
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.

Christine Howey
 
Sure, this particular nasty nest of vipers happens to be from the Deep South, and they’re pursuing their ambitions in the year 1900, but we see the same type of people every day in our world. That’s what makes this admittedly melodramatic and formulaic play so compelling.

To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's review at  Cleveland Scene

Andrea Simakis
 

Bristling with sexy malice and life, Laura Kepley's production of "The Little Foxes" is fleet-footed, lean and mean, just like the Hubbards, a rapacious Southern family hell-bent on righting the wrongs of Reconstruction by getting rich. (They are the proverbial foxes of the title that "spoil" vines bearing tender grapes.)
 
To see a full review of this show, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.

Art Thomas 

Kepley's direction has a winning style that makes the period piece relevant to today's audiences. Greedy, feuding siblings in the faded elegance of the deep South are even more deplorable in the mansion that is their lair. 
 
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife