Greater Clements at Lincoln Center Theater
After finishing my first week interning with the Press Office at Lincoln Center Theater, I got the chance to see their production of GREATER CLEMENTS on January 11th. Samuel D. Hunter is the brilliant man behind this masterpiece, and it was beautifully directed by Davis McCallum. Having seen a Broadway musical the week prior, it was nice to sit back and enjoy the wonderful things a play had to offer.
The production was performed in the Mitzi E. Newhouse theater; a very intimate space. From the moment the show started, I was transported to the Idaho mining community in which the play takes place. The production was staged in the round which helped make the audience feel as though they were flies on the wall. Never was there a time I felt distanced from the performances happening in front of me. The show truly held my attention, especially during Act 3, one of the most impactful acts within the show. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.
Between Sam Hunter’s writing, Davis McCallum’s direction, and the work each actor put into their performances, the show was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Each performance felt grounded and real, rooted in truth. Edmund Donovan’s performance was TRANFORMATIVE! Throughout the production, he dealt with mental health issues. You could tell something was off with Edmund’s character, Joe, from the beginning, but never was the character played insensitively. It was clear that a lot of research had gone into sculpting his character.
I was also lucky enough to see Judith Ivey, despite her having to miss previous performances due to health complications. Her performance as Maggie, Joe’s mother, was STUNING! Every moment felt natural. Playing the role of Maggie would be no easy task, but she did it without batting an eye. The specificity, control and command she held on stage made her performance something I could watch again and again. It felt as though I was watching a masterclass. The way her character was written touched me deeply, and it illustrated the many sacrifices we make for those we love so dearly. The play dealt with societal issues as well, such as Japanese concentration camps and small towns being torn apart by richer upper-class society.
I am still amazed by the journey this show took me on. It was a three hour play with two intermissions, but I never felt like I was counting the time. I laughed, I cried, I connected with each of the characters. I’m THRILLED I was able to see this production before it closed, and it was a nice reminder to enjoy the little things in life. I can’t wait to work on future productions with Lincoln Center Theater, and look forward to seeing what Sam Hunter decides to write next.