A Delicate Balance Tickets

Broadway’s John Golden Theatre is all set to revive Edward Albee’s 49 years old play, A Delicate Balance. A blistering production helmed by Pam Mackinnon, it has previously won two Tony Awards in “Best Play” category, along with a Drama Desk Award for the “Best Play Revival”. The latest presentation features Glenn Close and John Lithgow in the lead roles as Agnes and Tobias. Lindsay Duncan plays Claire, Bob Balaban as Harry and Clare Higgins stepping in the shoes of Edna. The award winning creative team further includes Santo Loquasto as the set designer and Ann Roth as the costume designer.                                                                                            

The curtain opens on the couple Agnes and Tobias sitting in their living room and reflecting on old times. With just few dialogues exchanged, the audience is able to differentiate between the two characters – Tobias is quite mellow as compared to the long-winded Agnes. Agnes’ sister Claire soon makes an appearance and from then on things get hilarious and nasty on stage. An alcoholic, Claire immediately starts drinking and unravels old secrets. She also announces that Tobias and Agnes’ daughter Julia is coming home after ending her fourth marriage. 36 years old Julia was returning to her parent’s home, expecting to live in her old bedroom and reclaim the role of a moody teenager. However, her plans get disrupted when Tobias’ friend Harry and his wife Edna show up unexpected, claiming there is some unknown terror in their house. As all these characters join on stage, they bring out the best and worst in each other. Personalities are heightened, territories are marked and skeletons come out of the closet.

A Delicate Balance features some superb performances by the main cast. Glenn Close as Agnes is marvelous. She effectively brings out her character’s traits; vindictive, graceful, sarcastic, resentful and internally bruised. She puts the right emotions on her face and shines as a focused performer. John Lithgow manages to impress as always. He strikes a perfect balance as his character transforms from being docile to vivaciously coming alive. Lindsay Duncan essays Claire quite effectively. She’s convincing in her role as an alcoholic and establishes the mannerisms of an addict. Clare Higgins steals the show as Edna. Through an inspiring performance, she reveals Edna for who she really is; calculating, scrutinizing and measuring.

Santo Loquasto has come up with a wonderful set that resembles a retired millionaire’s house. Designed on different levels, it has different rooms, a grand staircase and a bar. Costumes by Ann Roth are quirky and stylish, giving the right sense of power and money. Both wistful and harsh, A Delicate Balance is quite relatable. A classic American drama, don’t miss it when it hits the theatre this season.