The name A.A. Milne usually brings thoughts about the teddy bear, Winnie-the-Pooh. Milne wrote a series of stories about the lovable bear as well as poems that have become part of his legacy. However, look deeper into his biography see his success early on as a playwright. A play he wrote called The Lucky One was originally produced in 1922. It became Milne’s sixth Broadway production in less than two years. The first New York revival of this play is on the Mint Theater Company stage now through June 25, 2017. It focuses on sibling rivalry as it shows parents who favor one child over the other. The reason they do it is not really clear and it does not matter because the damage is done.
Deanna Lorette (l) Wynn Harmon (r) as the parents of the brothers Photograph:© 2017 Richard Termine
PHOTO CREDIT – Richard Termine
The Lucky One is the story of two brothers, Gerald and Bob. Brought up by the same parents, in the same home, each one achieves different levels of success and happiness in life. Each of them is thought of differently by their family. Clearly much of the family’s attitude influenced the lives they now lead.
Initially, the lucky one appears to be Gerald. He is highly revered by all who know him, especially his parents. His ability to talk pleasingly with people has moved him nicely through life. He now has an important job and a fiancé, Pamela, who is well liked by the family. Even though she is engaged to Gerald, Pamela was originally friends with Bob and the two appear to be quite close. Despite this friendship, the engagement with Gerald is on and his future looks very rosy.
Bob is the lesser regarded of the two brothers. The parents and others say, “poor Bob” quite often. Poor Bob gets into trouble on his job and goes to brother Gerald for help. Gerald dismisses it saying it will eventually work out. Bob ends up serving jail time. However, when Bob reappears at the family home after a supposed early release with Pamela, they have a surprise for Gerald. After a strong verbal exchange between the brothers, one now wonders really, who is the “lucky one?”
Well-designed sets and costumes add to the high value of this production. Directed by Jesse Marchese, this play uses precise and well developed dialog that allows the action to unfold easily. However, the real power of this show is the acting by an amazing company.
Robert David Grant plays Gerald. He portrays the character as a successful, supposedly well-adjusted man. He keeps a plastered smile on his face at all times never allowing anyone to see what is really inside of him. Ari Brand plays the other brother, Bob. As much as Gerald grins, Bob frowns. He painfully aware of his lower status in the family until a surprising friendship brings him the confidence to break out. Both Grant and Brand turn in superb acting with their roles especially in a final scene between them when each finally tells the other what they have always held back saying.
Paton Ashbrook gives a unique slant to the character Pamela as she finds herself involved in different ways with each of the two brothers. Wynn Harmon and Deanna Lorette play the parents, Sir and Lady Farringdon. Their work as a couple truly demonstrates the distance they have with Bob and their over inflated view of Gerald. Other members of the cast include Andrew Fallaize, Michael Frederic, Cynthia Harris, Peggy J. Scott and Mia Hutchinson-Shaw.
About the Show:
Running Time: One Hour 50 minutes with one intermission
Location: Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row, 412 West 42nd Street, New York City
Performances: Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with matinees Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Special Wednesday Matinees on May 17th and May 31st at 2 pm. Shows run though June 25, 2107.
Contact for Info and Tickets: Purchase tickets online at Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200 or in person at the Theatre Row Box Office. For more information, visit the Mint Theatre website.
Suggested Audience: Appropriate for all ages.