BWW Reviews: The Engeman's OTHER DESERT CITIES

Jon Robin Baitz's Other Desert Cities" is an emotion roller coaster. It is a heart wrenching story set around what is supposed to be a happy time of year and Richard T. Dolce's cast wonderfully delivers at the stunning John W. Engeman Theatre. Running through March 9th at the Northport venue, the play revolves around a prominent political Californian family.

Nancy Lemenager (Broadway: Chicago, Movin Out, et al.) wonderfully portrays daughter Brooke Wyeth. She is a book writer living in Sag Harbor, Long Island, who recently recovered from a breakdown. One thing that got her through her depression was her writing that resulted in a fiery memoir (this is the main focus of the play). This memoir highlights a family secret and Brooke looks for her parents blessing for its publication. Wishful thinking!

Joy Franz (Broadway: Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, et al.) fiercely portrays Polly Wyeth, the matriarch of the prominent Californian family. A woman of strength and courage, she is a former Hollywood screenwriter turned politician's wife. This leads her to be deeply devoted to the preservation of her family's name. Polly is, naturally, fully against the book even threatening to no longer acknowledge Brooke in the family. Polly hoped that her hard personality would have a positive effect on her children as they grew up... it did not.

Phillip Clark (Broadway: Come Back Little Sheba, Fifth of July) portrays Lyman who is the patriarch of the Wyeth family. He was a Hollywood "B" actor and turned to politics à la Ronald Regan. He tries to keep neutral as Brooke fights with her mother about the tell-all. Mr. Clark portrayed the many sides of Lyman well also highlighting the love and care he has for his adult children.

Brook's younger brother, Trip, portrayed by Christopher Bolan (Broadway: Mama Mia), is the producer of a television show. He helps provide the little comedy the show has. Trip is determined to keep a neutral stance of all the drama and this proves difficult.

Also part of the tremendous cast was the hilarious Joan Porter who portrayed Silda Grauman, Polly's recovering alcoholic sister. Silda and Polly were a writing duo for Television back in the day. She realizes that she is dependent on Polly and Lyman - and hates this- as she lives at their home. She also provides the comedic moments in the production.

On the creative team, Jonathan Collin's sets never fail to impress me. The whole story takes place in the living room of Polly and Wyeth's well-to-do home as Brooke and Trip are home for the holidays. The airy space is a beautiful vision boosted by the just-right lighting of Driscoll Otto. Also special kudos to Laura Frey for the great sound design and Tricia Barsamian for the spot-on costumes.

And so, it seems the Engeman has another hit on their hands with Other Desert Cities. An enthralling, heavy, affecting story and a stupendous cast make for a wonderful night of theatre.

Other Desert Cities is presented by the John W. Engeman Theatre of Northport, Long Island, through March 9th. By Jon Robin Baitz, Directed by Richard T. Dolce, Scenic Design by Jonathan Collins, Costume Design by Tricia Barsamian, Lighting Design by Driscoll Otto, Sound Design by Laura Frey, Hair & Make-Up by Mark Adam Rampmeyer, Casting by Stephen DeAngelis, and Stage Management by Sarah Goshman. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com

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