Talk of the Town: It’s steamy but worth it—ART’s ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’

There are plenty of ways to stay cool as the temperature rises, and seeing one of Tucson’s best theatrical performances at the University of Arizona is one of them.

I recently interviewed damon Patton, president of the Theatre Arts Advisory Board of the College of Fine Arts at the UA, and he recommended that fellow theater reviewer Roberta Konen and I see “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” He did not steer us wrong.

Theatrical brilliance is happening on the Marroney Theatre stage in the new Arizona Repertory Theatre production of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on A Hot Tin Roof.”

Brilliance begins with the script— one of Williams’ very best (and said to be his favorite) in which he studies the loneliness and agonies of two men, father and son, who, besides not being able to solve their own torments, are not able to reach out to each other and connect.

Williams considered this his best play and, as in his other writings, put himself right into the story that is presented on the stage. It’s difficult not to forget Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives as Big Daddy in the 1958 film version of the play directed by Richard Brooks. This stage production carried its own and we believe would make Williams proud.

The theme of the play is “mendacity,” a word Brick uses to describe his disgust with the world.

As we made our way to our seats and looked down on the stage, we both realized that Brick and Maggie’s bedroom in Big Daddy’s Southern mansion was right before our eyes. It couldn’t have been any other room in the world.

A second brilliance - scene designer Sally Day’s take on what furnishings set the mood for the play.

And then the play began with Charlotte Bernhardt, as Maggie “the cat.” All her unhappiness and agony pouring from her soul, coupled with Brick’s indifference, makes for a powerful opening performance. Scott Reynolds (Brink) didn’t have many lines in the beginning but his physical actions exposing his character development were so right for the role. The audience was immediately drawn into the scene and, as one couple next to us said, you never knew these were actors - no, indeed, it was Maggie and Brick up there in front of you. Extraordinary performances!

If the first act belonged to Maggie, then the second act belonged to Roberto Guajardo as Big Daddy. We were introduced to Big Mama first and actress Cynthia Meier is big in stature and just as big in talent.

When Big Daddy first appeared (not as robust in stature) we thought that, perhaps, he would not rise to the occasion of being ‘big daddy’ of this family. Well, were we wrong. His performance was beyond brilliant and emotionally draining to those watching with empathy. His nuances, his anguish, his unhappiness oozed out of his pores and drew us into the innermost feelings he was expressing. Whenever he performs in this area again we will be there.

Rounding out this very talented cast are Julie Garrison and Jeremy Selim as Mae and Gooper (Brink’s brother), Rick Shipman as Reverend Tooker, David “Zink” Zinke as Doc Baugh, and Daria Berg, Isabella Blue, Kelly Mesich and Zack Sinex as Mae and Gooper’s children or, as Maggie calls them, the no-necked monsters.

Brent Gibbs’s direction led his talented cast in just the right direction at all moments. Patrick Holt’s costumes were of the period and, again, right on the mark.

“Cat on A Hot Tin Roof” is not an easy play to watch but it is, as done at our own University of Arizona, one that should be seen by everyone who has any interest in theater and, also, by those who have any interest in raw and disciplined talent put together to present its audience with a top-notch production. It is one of the very best evenings in theater we have seen in our many combined years of watching in the Tucson area. Do not miss it!

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams, directed by Brent Gibbs and presented by Arizona Repertory Theatre, through Sunday, June 29. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. June 27-28 and matinees are at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, at the Marroney Theatre at the UA’s Fine Arts Complex, North Park Ave. and East Speedway, Tucson.

Matinees $28 general, $26 UA employees, seniors and military, $19 students. Call for tickets and information, as some added performances are slotted on various other dates. The show will also open the season in September. Call 621-1162 for dates, times, reservations and more info.

The Green Valley Elks Lodge #2592 celebrated Flag Day, June 14, with patriotic passion. The honor guard from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base was on hand to assist in the flag ceremony and the Fort Huachuca 36th Army Band provided support music for the program. The event was open to the public and more than 200 people attended.

The purpose of the service was to honor the U.S. flag.

During the course of the ceremony, the history of the flag is presented. Following the ceremony, the Elks Auxiliary served refreshments.

rford@gvnews.com | 547-9740