Review: TERMS OF ENDEARMENT at 59E59 - A Theatrical Gem

Area audiences should treasure the opportunity to see Terms of Endearment now at 59E59 Theaters through Sunday, December 11th. The play is written by Dan Gordon, based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Larry McMurtry and the Oscar-winning screenplay by James L. Brooks. The direction by Michael Parva is absolutely superb. With a stellar cast, it is a must-see production.

Terms of Endearment is an enthralling, realistic portrayal of humankind with all of its affection, humor and conflict. The story centers on the relationship between a vain and controlling mother Aurora Greenway and her spirited daughter Emma. A close mother-daughter bond is evident in their daily communications. Even when Emma moves far away and she becomes a young mother of three, they have a completely honest and loving relationship as they deal with dilemmas that include issues with men and Emma's catastrophic illness. The other characters that round out the story include Emma's husband Flap who works as a professor, Aurora's lively neighbor and lover Garrett, and Emma's close childhood friend Patsy. Terms of Endearment captures the uniqueness of the people in a family and those who have an effect on them in good times and bad.

Bravo to the remarkable cast. Even if you are familiar with the story of Terms of Endearment, you will be fascinated by this company's passionate and compelling performances that stars Molly Ringwald as Aurora and Hannah Dunne as Emma along with Jeb Brown as Garrett; Denver Milord as Flap; John C. Vennema as Doctor Maise and Jessica Digiovanni as Patsy/Doris/Nurse.

The design team has done an excellent job of bring a homey, very realistic setting to life with set design by David L. Arsenault; costume design by Michael McDonald; lighting design by Graham Kindred; sound design by Quentin Chiappetta and wig design by Amanda Miller. The Production Stage Manager is Rose Riccardi.

Don't miss Terms of Endearment. This charming yet heartrending story is one to cherish this holiday season.

Terms of Endearment is produced by The Directors Company, Julian Schlossberg, Roy Furman, Harold Newman, Florence Kaufman, and Andrew Tobias in association with Invictus Theater Company and GR8 Theatrical.

Terms of Endearment is on a limited engagement through Sunday, December 11. The performance schedule is Tuesday to Thursday at 7 PM; Friday at 8 PM; Saturday at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sunday at 3 PM. There is no performance on Thursday 11/24 at 7 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $25 - $70 ($25 - $49 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at 212.279.4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

To post a comment, you must register and login.