Orphans

        This seems to be the season for long awaited Broadway returns. We have a stunning revival of Pippin hitting the great white way for the first time in 30 years. There have numerous stars returning for the first time in quite a spell, among them Cicely Tyson, Bette Midler, and Al Pacino. In Lyle Kessler's 1980's drama Orphans Alex Baldwin returns to Broadway for the first time since appearing in The Roundabout Theater companies revival of The Twentieth Century in 2004.

        For those who are unfamiliar, Orphans follows the story of two orphaned brothers. Treat, the older brother, supports his handicapped younger brother Phillip by going out and robbing people on the street. One night he meets an rich older man named Harold at a bar, and brings him home intent on holding him for ransom. Here is where the plot gets a little cattywampus. Harold, the rich older man, rather than being angry at being kidnapped, offers Treat a job working as his bodyguard. Harold becomes intent on becoming a father figure to these two orphaned young men.

      There is some excellent writing in the play. Even if the scenario seems a bit far fetched, some of the passages of dialogue, particularly between the two brothers, and also between damaged Philip and Harold are quite moving. Alec Baldwin comes off most of the time as a bit too much of Jack Donaghy, or perhaps there was just too much of him in that role to  begin with. Ben Foster is making a strong Broadway debut as Treat, but it is Tom Sturridge who steals every moment of the play as the sweet natured Phillip.

      The true problem with this revival is that it lacks any real emotional teeth. Most of the audiences is laughing through the entire play instead of being truly moved by it. This is to do with Alec Baldwins hammy line delivery as well as Daniel Sullivan's sloppy direction. For the record, this is the second revival this season that Mr, Sullivan has poorly directed. Perhaps he is over extending himself?

     John Lee Beaty's set design, Jess Goldsteins's costumes, and Pat Collin's lighting all do their jobs effectively, though it's difficult to tell what specific decade we're in. If not for Harold stating they are in the 20th century it could have easily taken place in present day. Hopefully Alec Baldwins next Broadway outing will allow him to shed the skin of Jack Donaghy, or at least play a role in which he can make it work for him.

      Orphans will close on Broadway Sunday May 19th, at The Shoenfeld theater after 27 previews and 29 regular performances.