Word: willman
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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...however inadequate Goldman's play be, Director Noel Willman has somehow contrived to make is worse. Olde English folk songs ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" etc.) are piped over the loudspeaker after every blackout, and stage movement is held to a static minimum. Unfortunately, radiant Rosemary Harris as the dowdy, embittered Queen looks even better than she did as Ophelia two year ago; while cherubic and smooth-skinned Bruce Scott, late of the Merv Griffin Show, fails to convince anybody that he's Prince John, who, as the text repeatedly states, is the victim of massive acne...
...trouble with the play is that author Robert L. Joseph simply cannot settle on an approach to the problem of a child's death. The play's title comes from a fantasy the little girl and her father (Noel Willman) share about a happy place for skinny people, where it rains but nothing gets wet. This idea is not developed; nor is the sub-plot involving the hysterical mother (Norma Crane) who tries doctor after doctor long after all hope is lost, nor is the last-minute appeal to religion...
Miss Duke and, for the most part, Mr. Willman turn in fine performances. Mr. Aubrey starts out fine, but since he only has one expression and one tone of voice, you get sick of him, and by the end of the play you would give the price of an orchestra seat to smack him in the face. Louise Latham is terrible as the girl's friend and history teacher, but her part is so stupid it doesn't really matter. Miss Crane is the worst of all as the mother; rarely have I seen anyone who was so obviously acting...