Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Iffy Debut
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Jon Robin Baitz's 2011 play Other Desert Cities explores a conservative family grappling with political and personal conflicts, centering on a liberal daughter returning home with a revealing family memoir amid the post-2004 political climate.
- The play, set against the backdrop of the Bush era wars and ideological divides, examines themes of legacy, family secrets, and the clash between public principles and private failings within a wealthy Republican family.
- The current Hudson Theatre production features a star-studded cast including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Lily Rabe, and Allison Janney, drawing significant attention but receiving mixed reviews for uneven performances and pacing.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus's portrayal of Polly Wyeth is noted for lacking the depth and gravitas needed for the role, while Joe Keery's performance as the disaffected son is praised as the production's strongest.
- Despite the play's sharp writing and poignant themes, the new staging suffers from imbalanced direction and an uneven ensemble, resulting in a production that feels overwrought and lacking the emotional impact of earlier versions.
