The Late Christopher Bean
The Late Christopher Bean
Wolf Entertainment Guide
William Wolf
November 12, 2009
What an enjoyable discovery The Actors Company Theatre (TACT) has made with its revival of Sidney Howard's play "The Late Christopher Bean," which opened in New York in 1932 and hasn’t been re-staged here since then. Howard had based the work on a French play, "Prenez Garde de la Peinture" by Rene Fauchois, and it transplanted very well to a location somewhere near Boston. Now engagingly acted and often very funny, the play works as both a witty comedy and a satire of greed.
It also provides a special occasion for recognizing the talent of Mary Bacon in the key role as Abby, the household maid. I had particularly admired her work in a most demanding role in the staging of "Eccentricities of a Nightingale," and this new assignment, so very different, affirms my impression of her as a very talented actress.
Howard's play involves Dr. Haggett, excellently played by James Murtaugh, a country doctor of little distinction who gets greedy when he learns from art dealers that paintings by the late Christopher Bean, once a tenant in his house, have great value. His wife, played by Cynthia Darlow, is practically frothing at the mouth at the prospect of collecting a windfall. Both are ready to go to any lengths to make the deal with the painting Bean made of Abby, the maid. The Haggetts claim that since it was done in their home and she worked for them and posed on their time, they should own it.
Abby, who has announced that she is leaving their employment for personal reasons, is a lovely, guileless young woman who is deeply attached to the painting for reasons that we learn, and she insists on wanting to keep it, not for profiting but for sentimental feelings. Even more is at stake when it turns out there is a whole stash of Bean's work.
The play has its surprises as the plot is worked out entertainingly, including the intention of one of the Haggett daughters to elope against her parents' wishes with a young artist whom she adores. The other cast members are all excellent, including Jessiee Datino, Kate Middleton, Hunter Canning, Greg McFadden, Bob Ari and James Prendergast, and director Jenn Thompson keeps the story moving with elan. Scenic designer Charlie Corcoran has provided a very effective, realistic house setting for the family, and that gives the play further character.