Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

[LuminousBeing]

Has anyone seen this play? I'd love some info about the tone before I take my mother to see it tomorrow, but I don't want to Wiki or Google it because I don't want spoilers. I know that it's a Pulitzer-winning dysfunctional family drama, but that doesn't tell me much. Anything anyone can tell me about it with no spoilers? Basically, is it good?

[dramamama611]

Hard to say as I haven't read/seen it in YEARS (Decades, really) Can't begin to fathom how well or poorly it may have aged.

[Playbilly]

I always had a soft spot for this play. It's territory was sort of taken over by the TV movie genre. I, too, haven't read it in a long time, but If it's played straight, with good actors and not too much of a heavy hand, it can be work. I think you need strong child actors, and that's one reason it's not performed very often.

Tone is usually pretty somber, not particularly uplifting (trying not to spoil).

[GavestonPS]

I absolutely LOVED the play when I saw a college production in the 1970s! But who knows what I'd think of it now?

It certainly isn't a light comedy (though it has humorous moments), but I found it very moving. (And now that I've reviewed the synopsis, you should be prepared for some pretty grim plot elements.)

[aaronb]

Where are you seeing it? I've always been interested.

[LuminousBeing]

One of Boston University's professional companies.

Grim is fine, as long as it's good drama. For example, we both loved *August: Osage County,* but were bored to tears by *Driving Miss Daisy.* and they're both Pulitzer winners, so who knows?

[hpeabody930]

I saw BU's production last weekend and it is really fantastic. I'm a student there so I am admittedly biased but I thought they did a really great job with it. I hope you enjoy it!

[LuminousBeing]

Great to hear it! Thanks!

[Borstalboy]

It's a melodrama not all that far down the road from Inge. I like it...maybe could use a major revival.

Oh, Cherry Jo-ones...

[Reginald Tresilian]

I remember loving the film when I saw at in college.

[PalJoey]

My mother took me to the original production, so I suppose it's all right if you take your mother to this one.

[goldenboy]

Great play. I saw it many years ago with Sada Thompson and Swoosie Kurtz. Love it.