Christopher InnvarThe play began life in 1928 as The Front Page, written by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur (who was the husband of Helen Hayes). It starred Osgood Perkins (father of Anthony Perkins) and Lee Tracy. These roles, which were originally for two men, were changed for the movie when Hildy became a woman and a romantic element was added to the play.There have been several more recent productions of the play in the original form and another film made in 1988.
Jane PfitschIn the 1940 movie, the role of Hildy Johnson was changed to a woman, played by Rosalind Russell and that of Walter Burns by Cary Grant. This is the version I am familiar with.
Tonight's performance was based on the movie and is placed in 1939.
An admirable cast romped through the fast-moving action. Both Ms. Pfitsch and Mr. Innvar were very good in their parts. I still have memories of Russell and Grant, and no one will ever replace them in these roles.
Standing out were Peggy Pharr Wilson as Mrs. Baldwin,Anya Whelan Smith as Mollie Malloy, and Mark H. Dold as Bruce Baldwin. The rest of the large cast was excellent.
This is the last Main Stage play of the season. Next week we wind up the summer with Engagements by Lucy Teitler at Stage 2. I felt it was an uneven season.
