Desiato is tour de force as Hepburn
2008-01-30
If you're looking for proof positive that local theater has come of age, the extraordinary performance of Noel Desiato in the production of "Tea at Five" at TheatreWorks in New Milford will dispel all doubts.
Desiato's uncanny portrait of Katherine Hepburn is jaw-dropping and mesmerizing. With the able and sensitive assistance of director Jane Farnol, the actress recreates Kate with all of her tics and humor and without a shred of copycat theatrics.
Playwright Matthew Lombardo's biographical portrait of Connecticut's legendary acting icon is blessedly free of movie magazine gush and by-the-numbers recounting of her triumphs.
Instead, the script concentrates on Hepburn as a talented but haunted figure with a troubled family life that could easily rival Eugene O'Neill's, so memorably recorded in his "A Long Day's Journey Into Night."
In the opening act, Hepburn is in voluntary seclusion in her riverside home in Old Saybrook waiting for a call from director David Selznick about her chances for getting the much-sought-after role of Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With the Wind."
The outcome of that is well known, but Lombardo focuses less on Hepburn's loss of that plum role than on her resilience and sense of humor.
The second act catches up with Hepburn in 1983, back in the family compound, laid up with injuries from an automobile accident, but now with a career of professional successes and a tabloid-rich romantic resume.
Much of Hepburn's story is well documented, though this script delves deeper into her family traumas than is common.
Desiato, who was stunning in the lead role of "Medea" at this adventurous theater, once again demonstrates what a consummate performer she is.
Hers is neither caricature nor high-minded parody. She captures the essence of Hepburn in subtle but defining terms ― a laugh, a turn of the head, and in old age the tremors for which the actress was ultimately remembered.
There is much to savor in the script ― humorous anecdotes, ribald incidents, and many instances in which the steel in Hepburn's makeup shines through.
I suspect that many will come to this show expecting to see a mirror image of the great lady and will find themselves leaving with unexpected insight into a truly unique personality.
Desiato will probably forgive me when I say Hepburn was one of a kind. Theatergoers will be thankful, however, this actress understood her so well. Don't miss this one. Brava!