Other Desert Cities

Theatergoers be warned – the opening scene of Other Desert Cities is deceptive. When the show begins, we find a family relaxing in a living room, sipping coffee and talking of the weather. They are dressed in tennis whites and the furniture is decidedly beige. It’s a conventional, even commonplace. What’s dramatic about this scene? Remember, dear readers, appearances are deceiving. Jon Robin Baitz’s latest drama, currently in performances at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, is a searing drama of family politics, secrets and betrayals that invites the audience on a breathless journey of emotion.Sharply written and smartly paced, and starring a dynamic and captivating cast of actors, Other Desert Cities invites the audience into a Christmastime reunion of the Wyeth family. Brooke (Elizabeth Marvel), a writer recovering from a prolonged nervous breakdown, is anxiously waiting for an opportunity to tell her family about her latest book, which happens to be about some old family secrets. Her brother Trip, played in an understated and excellent performance by Thomas Sadoski, produces television shows and is determined to remain cheerful at all costs. Her aunt Silda (played by Linda Lavin in a scene-stealing performance) is a recovering alcoholic suffering from financial troubles. And her mother and father, Polly and Lyman (Stockard Channing and Stacy Keach), are determined to have a happy Christmas, at all costs.Those costs become significantly high when Brooke tells her family about the topic of her book – the story of her late brother Henry, a political rebel who participated in a bombing and committed suicide several years ago. Henry is rarely spoken of, especially by her parents. At one point, Polly mentions her two children and Brooke interrupts her quietly, saying, “Three. You had three children, Mom.” Henry’s death is one of the reasons Polly and NAME live in Palm Springs, California, in a self-imposed exile. Polly is a former screenwriter and picture-perfect Republican wife. A friend of Nancy Reagan, who she mentions frequently, Polly is determined to leave the past in the past. And her daughter is just as determined to revisit and explore it. Lyman was a leading man in the movies once and then moved into politics, is just as staunch a Republican as Polly, just a little less outspoken about it. Brooke and Trip, as well as Silda, lean more to the left, but have varying methods of sharing their opinions.Politics at home are also a topic of conversation as battles commence in the living room, between Brooke and almost every other member of her family. The anger and hurt, as well as fear and desperation, that these actors are able to portray onstage is nothing short of remarkable, and the sheer talent of this ensemble and its ability to truly function as a family, complete with dysfunctions and hatred as well as love and affection enhances the already intelligent script, bringing it to a new level. The shift of power from one family member to another, and the struggle to retain the upper hand, is almost painful to watch, especially when, as Polly tells her daughter that if she publishes her book, she will lose her family. Quiet and steely, fearsomely regal in her tight pants and high heels, Channing gives one of the best performances of the season as Polly. Desperate to be authentically WASPish and reluctant to be an affectionate mother, she fears the past and the future and especially the daughter who threatens the calm and order she has tried to achieve in both. The incredible contradictions of being a mother are apparent on Channing’s remarkably expressive face – no small achievement.As Brooke, Marvel brings a great deal of heart to a character that could be quite unlikable. Stubborn and at times hard-hearted, she is determined to have her way – and her family’s approval – two things that appear difficult to achieve silmutaneously. Her brother refuses to take sides, and when he does finally explode during the family’s discussion, it is quite disturbing to witness. Silda is only too happy to take sides, and Lavin’s complex performance as the one apparently light-hearted character is not only entertaining but enlightening to watch. Keach is excellent as Brooke’s father, a man struggling to gain some peace in his old age – which might be difficult to do, given who he is married to.No one character is right or wrong in this argument, which is what makes it so fascinating as it evolves throughout the evening. As one surprise after another is revealed, it becomes an even more engaging and thought-provoking play. Upon leaving the theater, I wasn’t sure who I thought was in the right. I am confident that a second viewing of Other Desert Cities could cause me to switch allegiances entirely. If only I could get another ticket.