Theatre Intelligence
Review: “A Delicate Balance” at BTF
Through September 4
Edward Albee’s 1967 Pultizer Prize winning A Delicate Balance is a tragedy that masquerades as a drawing room comedy. It is laced with laugh-out-loud moments and it builds through its three acts to reveal devastating truths about the nature of family and friendship. It is such a well-written, slyly constructed play that its sucker punch hits you without your really being ready, and you leave the theater with a clear sense that the delicate balance we all try to maintain in our lives is always at risk. BTF’s production doesn’t overindulge in histrionics, but there are some excellent performances, especially Maureen Anderman as Agnes, the well-bred matriarch who is desperately trying to maintain the status quo, is authoritative in every way, and Jonathan Hogan as her husband, who is so low key and natural that it doesn’t feel like he’s acting, but he clearly is when he delivers his final consciousness-raising monologue. Directed with restraint by David Auburn, this production of A Delicate Balance manages to be both entertaining and unnerving, which is exactly what you want from a night at the theater.
Berkshire Theatre Festival
Stockbridge, MA
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