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"Hot Tin Roof" cast skillfully navigates play's journey
By Eric McCrea
When you leave it all on the table, not everyone walks away unscathed. That’s certainly the case in Tennessee Williams’ classic play “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” The Victorian Players tackled this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, which challenges Southern values and family dynamics.
Brick, played by C.H. Kettering, is the younger son of a successful plantation owner known affectionately as Big Daddy (Eric Kibler) and the family has gathered for the patriarch’s birthday. Big Mama, played by Terri A. Wilkes, is elated after hearing that her husband has gotten a clean bill of health from their doctor, but things are not as they seem. Big Daddy’s actual diagnosis is much more grim, but the truth is being hidden. Brick’s wife, Maggie (Laura Phillips), does her best to make her marriage look functional, but her in-laws don’t make it easy.
“Cat” is an intense roller coaster of emotions, and director Sam Luptak Jr. was fortunate with this cast.
Phillips carried much of the first act, and perfectly captured the vulnerability and desperation of Maggie. She bravely bares her soul, showing resilience in the face of abuse, never giving up or showing defeat. Her main focus was repairing her marriage, and she deservedly earned the audience’s sympathy throughout the journey.
Kibler took the helm in the second act, as the story shifted its focus to the hardworking doomed father. Kibler is perfect at transitioning from solemn and concerned to outraged and furious. He intimidated with ease, and still remained lovable.
Kettering delivered a moving performance with complete devotion. The additional challenge of his role is his leg cast and crutch, which required nonstop committal, and Kettering never dropped the ball. He was a hero in every sense, holding true to his course in the face of social grace.
Wilkes was powerful as Big Mama, providing some light comic moments with her doting character. She portrays a woman on the verge of losing everything, and she does it with charm and bite. She balanced a naivet and fierceness that can come only from Southern wealth.
Also performing aptly were Nick Mulichak and Heleena Huncik as Gooper and Mae. They personified greed, attempting to take control of the plantation before Big Daddy can prepare a will. Both were detestable, nailing self-righteousness and mendacity, and creating a strong sense of conflict.
The Vic used a beautiful static set, adapting the space impressively for this production. Costumes by Marelene Menaldi Strollo were a fine addition to the overall look. Lighting designed by Don Connors was not overly complicated, but a fine fit. Sound design by Elizabeth Daley was well thought out, making great use of the speaker locations to ensure the sound effects were properly placed.
“Cat” was a great example of the powerful dramas that The Vic has proven they can accomplish, and a must-see for Tennessee Williams fans.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For reservations, call 330-746-5455.