The Columnist

      Very often when I am at a play I find myself intrigued by the subject matter, but entirely bored with the way that it is being presented to me. This was the case with Manhattan Theater Clubs production of David Auburns new play The Columnist.

     Pulitzer Prize winner Auburn (Proof) has a very interesting subject indeed in that of Joseph Alsop, a political columnist who in his day was as powerful as Hedda Hopper was in hers, though albeit in an entirely different arena. Mr. Alsop affected presidents, foreign and domestic policy, and most importantly was a huge supporter of the Vietnam war. Oh and he was gay.

     John Lithgow gave a wonderfully deep and nuanced portrayal of a man shrouded in mystery. The emotional juxtaposition of being a man of power in Washington, a man who enjoys control, and also a soft father figure - and the need for a gentle love were tangible.

   Unfortunately much of the dialogue is dry and uninteresting. There is so much exposition that you feel as though you are drowning in the facts. The supporting characters are also not as well developed. Boyd Gaines is terrific (as he always is) as Joe's brother Stewart (who is also a reporter) and his is the most equally explored character. The nature of that relationship, and the dynamic between the two of them is the most interesting of the play.

    Margaret Colin and Grace Gummer are both doing their best with what they have to work with. This is one of the few times in my life that I could not wait for a play to end. It was just the most dry and boring evening of theater I have experienced in a long while.

   Some others may have enjoyed it (and they must have because it extended twice) but it was not my cup of tea.

The Columnist closed at the Samuel Friedman Theater on Broadway on July 8th, 20012 after 86 performances .