BWW Reviews: Betty Buckley and Rachel York Dazzle in Bay Street's GREY GARDENS

Tony Award winning musical Grey Gardens, which opened on Broadway in 2006, is a superb creation. Chiefly speaking here about the incarnation at Bay Street Theatre, this is truly a special event for countless reasons. Among them is the fact that the theatre, based in Sag Harbor, Long Island, is only around 8 miles from the infamous house, so this truly hits home for them. Another of the many reasons is the remarkable Michael Wilson directed cast.

Leading the stellar company filled with Broadway veterans is legendary Tony award winner Betty Buckley and Drama Desk award winner Rachel York portraying mother Edith Bouvier Beale and daughter Edie Beale. They complement each other so well even nailing the Long Island accent. Ms. York particularly emulated "Little" Edie well and Ms. Buckley performs her numbers exquisitely and is multifaceted as Edith. These incredible women give astounding performances.

Rounding out the outstanding cast is Matt Doyle (Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr./Jerry), James Harkness (Brooks Sr./Jr.), Sarah Hunt (Young "Little" Edie), Simon Jones (J.V. "Major" Bouvier), Tony Nominee Howard McGillin (George "Gould" Strong), Gracie Beardsley (Jaqueline Bouvier), and East Hampton's Dakota Riley Quackenbush (Lee Bouvier).

Everyone's performance was absolutely spectacular with loud, extended applause at several points during the show.

The story, if a little dejected, centers on the eccentric mother-daughter pair, relatives of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, living in a dilapidated East Hampton mansion that is eventually deemed uninhabitable. The first act of the production, that has a book by Doug Wright, takes place in 1941. This act is a theoretical take on what their lives could have been like when Edith was in her late forties and Edie was in her early/mid-twenties. The second act takes place in 1973, thirty two years later, and adheres greatly to the famous 1975 documentary created by Albert and David Maysles. Furthermore, the score, created by Scott Frankel (music) and Michael Korie (lyrics), is divine. A favorite among the sold out audience is Ms. Buckley's stunning performance of "The Cake I Had" and Ms. York's heartbreaking rendition of the haunting "Another Winter in a Summer Town".

Another highlight is the clever set created by Jeff Cowie with Heather Ugrina coordinating the props. The stage and seats are at floor level with the seats ascending and Mr. Cowie is smart creating a beautiful living room for the first act then seamlessly going to the deteriorating mansion for the second. This is gorgeously enhanced by Robert Wierzel's lighting and Ilona Somogyi's costume design. And the live band that was perched above the stage was also fantastic. All in all, it is a lovely set.

And so, Grey Gardens is indeed another hit for the Bay Street Theatre. I dare say that it is a must see for the season and could well leave its mark on Bay Street's legacy. As you walk out of the theatre, you will be elated and grateful that you have seen this production. The glorious cast and a well-developed vision make for a thrilling night of theatre.

Grey Gardens is presented by the Bay Street Theatre of Sag Harbor, Long Island, through August 30th. Book by Doug Wright, Music by Scott Frankel, Lyrics by Michael Korie, Based on the documentary by Albert and David Maysles, Directed by Michael Wilson, Scenic Design by Jeff Cowie, Costume Design by Ilona Somogyi, Lighting Design by Robert Wierzel, Sound Design by Jon Weston, Prop Design by Heather Ugrina, Stage Management by Robert Bennett, Wig Design by Paul Huntley, Casting by Stewart/Whitley, Dialect Coaching by Stephen Gabis, Choreography by Hope Clarke, Musical Direction by Andy Einhorn. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-725-9500 or visit www.baystreet.org.

Photo by Lenny Stucker; Betty Buckley and Rachel York in Bay Street Theatre's Grey Gardens

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