Andrea Close… breathless performance in “August: Osage County”.
A black comedy on an epic scale, the Free Rain production shows us the interaction of an Oklahoma family before and after the death of a family member.
The director, Cate Clelland, and her large cast of performers take us on a roller-coaster ride through every human emotion that is fascinating, harrowing, moving, very funny and ultimately hugely enjoyable.
Every member of the cast of 13 more than meets the considerable challenges of this play. Karen Vickery and Andrea Close as mother and daughter have the lion’s share of the dialogue and both give performances that will leave you breathless. Jim Adamik, Liz Bradley, Lainie Hart and Karen Weston are especially memorable but everyone has their moment to shine.
The action of the play takes place in various rooms of a rambling old house. Clelland’s set designs cleverly use the wide space in the Courtyard Studio so that we can see simultaneous action in various rooms as required. The show is nicely lit by Hamish McConchie with well-chosen costumes by Fiona Leach and enhanced by the subtle sound design by Tracey Rice.
Clelland has directed one of her best shows. This is an excellent production of an extraordinary play.
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