Geffen's "Key Largo" - A Cyclopean Hit!

Review: Friday, November 15th performance

You don’t have to know anything about or have seen the film, “Key Largo” to enjoy this wonderfully produced adaptation. Audiences thought so -- with a standing ovation of this world premiere. Not having a reference to the film makes you appreciate this production which stands on its own merit.

A trumpet plays and we are transported to 1946. The lobby of the Key Largo Hotel, Key Largo, Florida. A meticulously thought-out set design by two-time Tony Award winner, John Lee Beatty is breathtaking -- so much, that it actually is a living breathing intricacy of the evening. But, it’s not until the moment the star of the evening, Andy Garcia, makes his entrance that everything comes to life. Within a nano-second of his presence, the evening takes off like a shot. He is terrific as the gangster Johnny Rocco. Charismatic and a highly polished actor who has mastered his craft, he certainly makes the rest of the cast shine. Garcia and playwright Jeffrey Hatcher create an exciting version, which was originally based on the play by Maxwell Anderson.

Joely Fisher (Gaye Dawn) performance stands out as the has-been singer, sometimes lover of Rocco and all the time lush. Well-known character actor Tony Plana evokes a heart-felt performance as the blind and helpless owner of the hotel, Mr. D’Alcala. Louis Mustillo mustered a laugh here and there, in the role of Curly which was very well portrayed.

Other members of the ensemble include Stephen Borrello (Toots), Rose Mciver (Nora D’Alcalla), Danny Pino (Frank Mccloud), Richard Riehle (Sherriff Gash) and Bradley Snedeker (Ziggy).

Gangsters can be fun and this evening of gangsters holding the hotel owner and his lovely daughter-in-law hostage during a historic hurricane is entertaining. Director Doug Hughes did a great job of staging this ensemble piece, especially bringing the dangers of the hurricane to those sitting in the first few rows who jolted suddenly from the realistic roar and awe of impending doom. Great storm effects made this theatre experience especially amusing.

Take the whole family and go see it through December 10th at the Geffen Playhouse.