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The Voysey Inheritance
By Harley Granville-Barker
Adapted by David Mamet
Directed by James Bohnen
Produced by Remy Bumppo think theatre
At The Greenhouse Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-404-7336, www.remybumppo.org
Tickets $40
Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 2:30 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes with intermission
Through November 2, 2008
“Well, the more able a man is the less the word ‘honesty’ bothers him…and Father was an able man.” ---Edward Voysey
Honesty, personal ethics, honor, trust all collide in Mamet’s smart adaptation of “The Voysey Inheritance”
In these times of financial unrest in America, Remy Bumppo think theatre presents the 1905 drawing room Edwardian drama, “The Voysey Inheritance” by Harley Granville-Barker and adapted by David Mamet. This is a smartly clever and deeply intricate drama about gray areas of business practices. When is a business practice larceny or simple mismanagement? What if by admitting the discovery of fraud and corruption, all parties to the endeavor will be financially destroyed? Is that the moral or right thing to do? Is it more prudent to try to maneuver the firm’s money to satisfy at least some of the clients? What is the responsibility of business and personal trust? These questions and more are aptly dealt with in this intelligent script honed by David Mamet.
Featuring a strong cast adept with high British accents in a work similar to a Bernard Shaw or Oscar Wilde play, “The Voysey Inheritance” is a slick, polished, intelligent and adroit drama filled with moral dilemmas. Originally penned in 1905, “The Voysey Inheritance” deals with the Voysey family whose family business is to manage the financial affairs, usually in the form of family trusts for their clients. Many upper class British families place their wealth with solicitors to manage while they live in leisure on the yearly interest. The senior Mr. Voysey (David Darlow), a sickly older man, confides to his son and business partner, Edward (Raymond Fox) that, years ago, the original Voysey business founder committed fraud by taking several clients money for personal and Voysey family expenses therefore leaving most of the trusts without any money to back them up. Mr. Voysey has spent over thirty years maneuvering what capital there is left to meet both his client’s yearly allowances and the Voysey’s family expenses. Voysey has kept his secret from everyone until now.
Edward, a most ethical man, is furious with his father telling him to go public and stop the questionable business practices. Voysey lays out all the sad consequences of that action. Voysey makes a case for continuing the status quo until the firm can recoup most of the client’s original capital. Suddenly, Mr. Voysey dies and Edward is now in charge of the firm. Edward announces to the family what their father did in his shady deals. Without revealing much more, let me state that the reactions of the family members—the Voysey mother, the brothers and sisters and family associates each have surprising reactions. Personal survival, family honor and privilege play into the Voysey family dynamic. The personalities of each character is revealed when faced with the effects of possible family disgrace and person financial ruin.
The wonderful cast on the beautiful Edwardian British drawing room set (design by Andrea Bechert) with fine period-perfect costumes (by Rachel Laritz) under James Bohnen’s tight direction made for a wonderful evening of theatre. David Darlow, as Mr. Voysey, launches the action as he presents the basic dilemma. Raymond Fox, as Edward, anchors the show as he grows in statue throughout the play. Fox is a master at underplaying. Dan Kenney, as the vociferous Major Booth Voysey; Tom Batemen, as Hugh Vosyey and Mark D. Hines, as Trenchard Voysey offered sharp performances. Sharina Martin, as Ethel Voysey, Patricia Donegan , as Mrs. Voysey contributed nicely.
Peter Davis, as Peacy—the firm’s clerk effectively represented the middle class ambivalence toward the Voysey family. Rebecca Spence was terrific as the Alice, Edward’s love interest. Roderick Peeples, as Mr. George Booth—a family friend and client, gave a powerfully emotional performance. The first-rate acting here was most enjoyable to witness.
“The Voysey Inheritance” is a real find and a wonderful looking piece that sports clever plot twists and marvelous characters caught in a financial crisis that tests their honesty, integrity and honor. The shades of gray of events in this story reveal true character. One could say that “The Voysey Inheritance” is a cautionary warning for our present financial problems. Kudos to Remy Bumppo for another excellent ‘thinking person’s’ play.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2008
Jeff Recommended
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