Review: See THE ROUNDABOUT at 59E59 Theaters for Engaging Light Comedy

The Roundabout, now at 59E59 Theaters, is a truly charming play, one that will appeal to a broad audience. Family hijinks take center stage in J.B. Priestley's light comedy. Directed by Hugh Ross, the staging is superb and the show's cast shines bright in their roles. The production is part of the Brits Off-Broadway festival of plays that will be performed at 59E59 Theaters through July.

The Roundabout is set in the 1930s at the estate of Richard Kettlewell. Richard is a British gentleman and a financier whose business interests are doing poorly. While he experiences professional stress, his home unexpectedly becomes a hub of activity. His close friend Churton Sanders, a fellow aristocrat, settles in for a visit. Things get quite complicated when Richard's estranged daughter Pamela suddenly appears with her traveling companion, Comrade Staggles, both of whom are passionate communists. And there are even more surprises, Additional guests include Richard's vain mistress, Hilda, his ex-wife, Lady Kettlewell and a local gossip, Lady Knightsbridge. It turns out that daughter Pamela has a manipulative plan, one that may change the course of Richard Kettlewell's life and many of the people around him. The comings and goings of these colorful characters, the clash of social classes, and the fast-paced, clever dialogue create a totally entertaining and engaging theatrical experience.

You'll love the cast of The Roundabout. They are funny, lively and authentic. They include Brian Protheroe as Lord Kettlewell; Richenda Carey as Lady Knightsbridge; Hugh Sachs as Churton Saunders; Emily Laing as Pamela Kettlewell; Steven Blakeley as Comrade Staggles; Carol Starks as Hilda Lancicourt; Lisa Bowerman as Lady Kettlewell; Charlie Field as Farrington Gurney; Derek Hutchinson as Parsons; Annie Jackson as Alice; Ed Pinker as Alec Grenside.

The Production team has done a great job of bringing The Roundabout to the stage with design by Polly Sullivan and lighting design by David Howe. The Composer is Matthew Strachan; Costume Supervisor is Holly Henshaw; Casting Director, Denise Silvey; Company Stage Manager, Lucy Barker-Dale; AEA Stage Manager, Cate Agis; Assistant Stage Managers, Annie Jackson and Ed Pinker.

The current production of The Roundabout is the first major revival of the show since it was performed in 1932. It is a virtually unknown J.B. Priestley play. We predict that it will have a great life ahead in the theatre. Treat yourself and see it while it is on the 59E59 Theaters' stage.

The Roundabout is produced by Cahoots Theatre Company in association with The Other Cheek & Park Theatre. The show runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. It will be performed at for a limited engagement at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues) through Sunday, May 28th. The schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7 PM; Friday 8 PM; Saturday at 2 PM & 8 PM; and Sunday at 3 PM. Tickets range from $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

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