Bravo Theatre is currently reprising “Visiting Mr. Green,” a play they originally staged about six years ago at their former location with the same two actors that played the staring roles.
Produced and directed by Jayme Littlejohn, this production is the best theatrical performance that the GR reviewer has seen in a long time. The show plays through March 17; if you don’t already have a ticket, you should purchase one.
The popular play, written by Jeff Baron, was first performed in 1996 and has been staged in over 50 countries. While a few things in the play seem dated (e.g., character Ross Gardiner doesn’t have a cell phone), the themes of religion, grief, bigotry and family estrangement are as gripping and current as the day they were written.
Our title character, Mr. Green (Roger Larson), is an elderly widower who lives alone in New York City. One evening, he answers the door to find Ross Gardiner (Ken Yakiwchuk), a younger man who has been assigned to visit and assist him every week as court-ordered community service. From the first second, we are transported into Mr. Green’s lonely world. The interplay between the two men is hilarious. The dialog is spot on and comically repetitive and familiar. The actors demonstrate great comedic timing.
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