Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 22, 1992 TAG: 9202220368
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHRIS GLADDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
IRONIES, SURPRISES AND DRINKS SPICE `THE COCKTAIL HOUR'
Like many good comedies, "The Cocktail Hour" by A.R. Gurney Jr. has a serious core.This latest production by the Acting Company of Roanoke Valley charts the battles that occur within the boundaries of family rituals. Gurney, who also wrote "The Dining Room," is apparently fascinated by the chaos contained in highly structured observances.
"The Cocktail Hour" deals with the conflict between a father's expectations and the aspirations of his children. Faultlessly acted by an ideal cast, it's alternately funny and touching. And it's bound to strike a chord with a lot of people.
Roger Wilson plays Bradley, the patriarch of the piece. He's a successful man who surrounds himself with the totems of his secure life - his golf clubs, his carefully stocked bar, his rigidly observed cocktail and dinner hours.
As the play begins, his oldest son, John, has joined him for cocktails, and he's waiting on his daughter. His other son is elsewhere; though unseen, he plays a major role in the proceedings.
Played by Pete Burris, John works in publishing, but his main interest is writing plays. It's in his blood, as he points out, and it leaves him no other choice.
John has written a new play, titled "The Cocktail Hour." Like many writers, he has drawn on personal experiences. And like many writers, he is trying to exorcise some demons through his art. John feels that his father has never loved him, and indeed "Pop" seems to favor the absent brother. At the news of the play, Bradley is horrified.
"You're going to humiliate all of us in front of a bunch of strangers in New York City," he says.
Meanwhile, the mother, played by Dorothy Johnston, urges John to turn his talents to book writing; it's not as public, she says.
Adding to the general disapproval is Nina, the sister. Played by Claire English, she notes that the title is too similar to T.S. Eliot's "The Cocktail Party."
"People will think they're getting T.S. Eliot and get John instead," Pop growls. "Either way they'll want their money back."
Smoothly directed by Jim Galloway, this is a play thickly layered with ironies and surprises that deftly emerge in the hands of the excellent cast. The peripatetic Acting Company is staging this one at Groucho's, a bistro in downtown Roanoke, where you can get a cocktail during "The Cocktail Hour."
The play runs through March 6. For reservations, call 562-1504.
"THE COCKTAIL HOUR" is performed by The Acting Company of Roanoke Valley. Shows tonight, Thursday-Feb. 29, March 5-6; 8:30 p.m. Sunday performances, 3 p.m. Groucho's Restaurant, Williamson Road, Roanoke. $7. 562-1504.