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Better Late
By Larry Gelbart & Craig Wright
Directed by BJ Jones
At Northlight Theatre
9501 N. Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL
Call 847-673-6300, tickets $35 - $55
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm
Wednesdays at 1 & 7:30 pm
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2:30 & 8 pm
Sundays at 2:30 & 7 pm
Running time is 85 minutes with no intermission
Through May 11, 2008
Veteran comic actors produce laughs in world premiere
The forces of old-time talents including octogenarian playwright Larry Gelbart, his young writing partner Craig Wright, with John Mahoney, Mike Nussbaum and the funny Linda Kimbrough, combine to produce a world premiere comedy, Better Late, now playing at Northlight Theatre in Skokie. This promising new work is a tad underwritten but could ultimately become a terrific work. As presented, it is a fine vehicle for the stellar cast. Director BJ Jones calls Better Late a “fable of forgiveness.” I agree.
Commissioned by Northlight Theatre with stars like John Mahoney and Mike Nussbaum in mind, Better Late is the funny and bittersweet story of intertwined extended families dealing with letting go of past relationships, past loves and past commitments. The play opens with Julian (Mike Nussbaum, sharp as ever), an 83 year old man who is forced to move in with his ex-wife, Nora (Linda Kimbrough) and her present husband, Lee (John Mahoney) after he suffers a stroke.
Nora is a bossy wife who completely dominates her husband Lee telling him how to do most everything except how to compose music. Lee acquiesces saying: “I dominate the piano, she get the rest of the world.” Nora has all the details of Julian’s recuperation planned before she informs Lee. These scenes are funny as Mahoney and Kimbrough work the material nicely. We see Lee as an easy going guy with Nora in full command. When Lee picks up Julian, the car ride becomes a wonderfully funny scene between Nussbaum and Mahoney with cell phone comic interruptions from Kimbrough adding spice.
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The awkwardness of having an ex-husband living with the current couple produces conflict between the men. Lee finally gets tired of Nora’s compulsion to dote on Julian who loves the attention. When Billy (Steve Key), Julian and Nora’s son, who was raised by Lee, has his own martial troubles, the family dynamic becomes further complicated. As the laugher builds from the sardonic wit of Gelbart & Wright, the question becomes how long will Julian stay? When will Nora let go and how will Julian deal with aging?
This play turns sharply near the end after Lee erupts and leaves his home. We never fully understand Nora’s obsession with Julian with whom she left for Lee 25 years earlier? I also had problems with the resolution of Billy’s troubles. I believe a more complete resolution is needed to tie up the story. Better Late is a funny, well acted comedy that deals with aging and responsibilities toward former family members. With modern family dynamics complicated with ex-husbands and ex-wives and children with shared parents, Better Late caustically sheds light on the dilemma.
The trio of John Mahoney, Mike Nussbaum and Linda Kimbrough offer magic with their smooth, savvy comic timing. Steve Key offers fine supporting work. Better Late is a funny show that sparks tender moments. With additional material, it could become an even better play. The cast’s outstanding work carries the evening. You’ll enjoy this show.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2008
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