BWW Reviews: MR. WILL AND DUTCH Educates and Entertains

This weekend we have the rare treat of seeing a brand new play presented in our area that not only teaches us a lot about our history, but also thoroughly entertains. MR. WILL AND DUTCH: ALABAMA'S LEGENDARY BANKHEADS tell the story of Tallulah Bankhead (Dutch, a nickname given to her by her father, Mr. Will) and her family through the memories of her sister Eugenia. It is a delightful walk through time and reminds us of some of the best and worst of our state's past.

Cleverly written by Jeanmarie Collins, this play covers the time from the turn of the century until 1969. It portrays the tragic beginnings of Tallulah's life and continues until the very end. It shows the humorous family gatherings, the stern Southern expectations for girls of the era and the totally out of control lifestyle of Tallulah.

Directed by Alan Litsey, chairman of the Theatre Department at Birmingham- Southern College, this play is crisp, fast paced and exceedingly interesting. Between the captivating writing, the perfect casting and the smooth movement of actors around the stage, the show flows seamlessly and keeps you totally involved throughout.

From the smallest part of The Visitor played by Salena Whalen-Stalker to the ever present on stage part of Tallulah's older sister, Eugenia Hoyt played by Susan Johnson Lawrence, the entire cast is very talented.

I have to give a special notice to Dana Porter in the dual role of Florence Bankhead, "Mr. Will's" second wife and Dorothy Parker. I have seen many actresses do double duty on stage, but usually the characters are strategically separated in the show. These two roles were back to back and back again several times. Between the differences in appearance and voice and the quick changes between the two, I could hardly believe Ms. Porter pulled this off.

And of course there is Tallulah herself. Played by Jessica Clark, Tallulah is lovable, manipulative, talented and determined. Ms. Clark does a great job of playing this real life star as a small girl and as a dramatic and demanding adult. The changes in demeanor and in vocalization are admirable. Going through every emotion in the book and handling them all beautifully, Ms. Clark is one of the many reasons this play is such a success.

William Bankhead, played by John McGinnis, is another emotionally demanding role that was carried off with the flair of a 1930's screen star. All of the characters really captured the look, feel and sound of that time period.

As actors we become other people, but have a little leeway in creating those characters. When portraying a real, historical figure you have to be true to who that person was. When portraying someone that was alive recently enough to have recordings to look at, you have to be even more precise. And lastly, when you are in the home town of those characters who are much admired and talked about, you better be spot on. I felt that this group took a difficult task and made it look easy. Bravo to all involved.

With only two showings scheduled for this weekend during Jasper's Tallulah Bankhead Tribute, you only have one more night to see this new work. Hopefully this play will become a yearly presentation for this event or even better, Ms. Collins needs to bring MR. WILL AND DUTCH to Birmingham soon.

MR. WILL AND DUTCH is being presented again tonight, June 13 at 7PM at the Rowland Auditorium on the Jasper Campus of Bevill State Community College. It is a nice drive and it is in a large enough auditorium that you can get tickets at the door. For more information about the entire event go to www.tallulahbankheadtribute.com

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