**** Highly Recommended I didn’t know anything about Harold Pinter’s play, Betrayal, before I saw the Goodman’s revival recently. A friend had mentioned that there was a small controversy over Director Susan V. Booth’s decision to cast older actors – over twenty-somethings – but I never even thought about age as I was drawn into the human drama unfolding on that stage. That a character could maintain that very British stiff upper lip, even while receiving devastating news delivered in the calmest of tones, was a revelation. Kudos to Director Susan V. Booth for a theatrical gem! 4 BIG Spotlights
As the lights came up, three actors were silhouetted against a series of opaque screens. Robert (Ian Barford) and Jerry (Robert Sean Leonard) stood on opposite ends of the stage, with Emma (Helen Hunt) in the center – a quiet demonstration of their ultimate estrangement. By the way, those screens are not just background, they play an important part in the way the story plays out.
To begin the action, a screen slides open to reveal a comfy home occupied by Robert and Emma, who have been married quite a long time. Robert is happy in the marriage. Unbeknownst to him, Emma thinks she might want a divorce. Robert’s best friend, Jerry, with whom Emma is having an affair, often joins the couple for dinner and drinks.
When Emma asks for a divorce, Robert is shocked. When he finds out about the affair, he’s devastated. When Emma calmly reveals that it’s been going on for four years, he’s enraged, but refuses to show his pain, maintaining a dignified façade throughout.
I can’t say enough about this superb cast and the subtle nuances they bring to the play. I loved Neil Patel’s set, which should receive star billing. The Waiter (Nico Grelli) appears in a couple of different restaurants.
Betrayal has been extended through March 30th in the Albert Theatre, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Most reasonable parking option for the Goodman is the Government Center garage (entrance on Lake Street between LaSalle and Dearborn), online advance payment at www.interparkonline.com/goodmantheatre, $20.
Running time is one hour, 15 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm; Wednesdays & Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 2:00 pm. There will not be a performance on Friday, March 21st. NOTE: the role of Emma will be played by Cheyenne Casebier on Saturday, March 22nd. Tickets range from $40-$175. FYI (312) 443-3800 or www.goodmantheatre.org.
