Well, there is no doubt about it... the Guthrie is on a role: End of the Rainbow, then The Birds... and now, Hay Fever. After one drama and a thriller, I was definitely ready for a laugh and the comedic cast and story of Hay Fever delivered plenty of them.


Any story about the way in which "dysfunctional" families function typically always grabs my attention because I usually am able to connect with the story due to the lovable dysfunctional family I call my own. (If we're honest, who doesn't have one of those these days?) Noël Coward's story is a bit different from most in that this particular family comes to discover that they in fact delight in their faults and boisterous nature, contrary to Sorrel's ramblings and complaints in the first act. That, and it's written beautifully as most of Coward's stories are.

In terms of plot, there is none, really. The story revolves around multiple house guests arriving simultaneously and unbeknownst to the rest of the household... and that's about it. The brilliance of the play comes in the farcical characters interactions/reactions, the plethora of plays within the play, and an ending with a touch of the classic Shakespearean comedy made satirical, of course . With that being said, the play is a success largely due to the caliber of talent on the stage.

John Skelley (who I most recently saw in Charley's Aunt) is quickly becoming one of my favorites and I may or may not be developing a little theater crush... but shh, don't tell. "I want to kiss you, and kiss you, and kiss you, and break everything in the house and then run into the garden!" John Skelley, WHY ARE YOU SO FUNNY?

Harriet Harris (Judith Bliss), Barbara Bryne (Clara), John Catron (Sandy Tyrell), Simon Jones (David Bliss)... ah heck! All of the actors are good, which is why this play works! The synergy between them all is astounding. Harris is able to dominate the stage, as Judith's character is meant to, while everyone else finds their niche perfectly. It's like a great theatrical jigsaw and none of the pieces are missing.

The icing on top? The set. It's absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, from my seats in the very corner of the theater, I had a horrible vantage point and didn't get to experience its intricacy until intermission. However, when I rounded the corner and was able to see it in its entirety, my mouth was left gaping. Look at that magnolia tree!!! Spring has certainly sprung inside the McGuire.

Later days, you must say, that's dramatic!