The Mint Theater Company produces
some of the best early 20th century plays ever. They stage lost
plays that bring a new sensibility to today’s questions and morals. Usually.
The Price of Thomas Scott, the Mint’s latest production, is a disappointment.
The show is well-acted, beautifully staged and terribly predictable.
 |
| Tracy Swallows, Donald Corren and Emma Geer in The Price of Thomas Scott |
The story is told through the
eyes of Mr. Scott’s daughter, Annie Scott. She and her brother open the show
hoping for a better life, but one they know that they cannot afford. The son,
Leonard, has an opportunity for a scholarship, but he cannot afford the other
costs of education. Annie longs to go to Paris to study fashion instead of just
decorate hats for the puritanical women at home.
Thomas Scott, the father, would
love to sell his little shop and move to the country with his wife. All of their
prayers seem answered when and old acquaintance, Wicksteed, comes by with a handsome
offer for the little shop. The offer is much more than the property is worth as
a drapery, where the family works with hats and fabrics. But Wicksteed is purchasing
for a concern that has dancing halls, and dancing is very much against Mr.
Scott’s religion.
After a bit of give and take,
Mr. Scott takes the offer. But he is uneasy. A few scenes later he turns down
the offer. And that is the end of the show.
The Price of Thomas Scott is
a quick turn, and again the acting is great. Director Jonathan Bank does a
great job with the material. But the show doesn’t connect and there is a
complete lack of tension. I wish it were different.
The Price of Thomas Scott
Playwright: Elizabeth Baker | Director: Jonathan Bank | Cast: Donald Corren, Andrew
Fallaize, Emma Geer, Josh Goulding, Mitch Greenberg, Nick LaMedica, Jay
Russell, Tracy Swallows, Mark Kenneth Smaltz, Ayana Workman, Arielle Yoder
No comments:
Post a Comment