The Royal Family Play - Theater Comes Alive Again

By Author: Al Terry
Total Articles: 787
Comment this article

Die hard followers of theatre are impossible to find nowadays. Celluloid now reserves the right to fanatical fans and religious dedication. Rarely do we come across a play that rewinds the clock, and takes us back to the good old days of live unadulterated entertainment. The Royal Family will surely rewind that clock.

A 21st century revival of the 1920 play written by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, this play will add to the faith of the rare minority of theatre enthusiasts. If you are a non believer (this reviewer was one) of the adrenaline rush that a stage performance gives, the performances of Jan Maxwell and Rosemary Harris will convert you and make you a true believer.

Ms. Harris essays the role of Fanny Cavendish, an ageing matriarch of a clan of family actors. Ms. Maxwell plays Julie, daughter of Fanny Cavendish, and reigning Broadway diva. The plot of The Royal Family revolves around the obsession of a mother and daughter to preserve the family tradition of theater acting.

The play comes alive in the second act when both, mother and daughter, advocate the family tradition to a renegade. It radiates ...
... with a magic and wizardry of an ancient craft. The Royal Family will definitely cast a spell over you.

Till the second act, the production resembles just another revival of a dated comedy, a common genre in Manhattan's institutional theaters. The second act acts as a pivot, spinning the comedy away from the usual clichés. The thrill of stage acting is exuded by Ms. Harris and Ms. Cavell, if it were the very breath of life. But not all cast members are at home in this plush production. They essay an indifferent performance. Not great, not trashy either.

A parody of the Barrymore clan, The Royal Family has remained a favorite with theater audiences, and for quite obvious reasons.

Other notable performances of the play include Reg Rogers' swashbuckling rendering of Tony Cavendish, and John Glover's effable portrayal of Herbert, Fanny's thespian brother.

A satirist once noted that farce works when played sincerely. The performances of the leading ladies prove it right. There is real feeling behind the costumes and make up. With passion at its heart, The Royal Family does not fail.

The question one may ask is, "Does a play which originated eight decades ago still have themes audiences can connect to?" The answer is a resounding yes. The play deals with the issue of choice: the choice between excellence and short-cut success, between career and relationships, between holding on and letting go. These issues strike a chord with the audience.

A great way to watch this production is to get tickets from an authorized online ticket broker. You may be able to get hold of tickets at a discounted rate. What's more, you get access to the best seats in the house. All of this can be done from the comfort of your home by logging on to the internet, and booking your ticket via an online ticket broker. The process is SSL encrypted and safe from unauthorized access. Once you book the tickets they will be delivered at your doorstep.

So, what are you waiting for? Watch The Royal Family and let the magic of theater cast a spell over you.
Al has a site devoted to Broadway shows of the past and present and has content to help fans The Royal Family Play Tickets and Resources for fans. His site includes up to date information and reviews on all concert events plus resources for getting The Royal Family play tickets and information for any show.