David Lindsay-Abaire is known for his very quirky comedies, but it is Rabbit
Hole that proves what a really great writer he is. The less you know about
Rabbit Hole's plot, the better. Don't read anything about it, if you haven't
yet. Just know that Amy Ryan, Missy Yager, Joyce Van Patten, Trever
O'Brien, and Tate Donovan deliver searing performances in a play that
manages to be funny and tragic and hopeful all at the same time, and
avoids TV movie cliches through the beautiful writing of David
Lindsay-Abaire and the excellent direction of Carolyn Cantor. 

Cynthia Nixon won the Tony for her portrayal of Becca, and Amy Ryan is
very good indeed in the same role, but at the Geffen it's Tate Donovan as
Becca's husband who's the revelation.  This actor, known primarily for his TV
work, proves himself a stage actor par excellence. The scene where lets go
and expresses his rage at one of the other characters is the kind of acting
that wins awards.  Alexander Dodge's set design is especially good.

Don't miss Rabbit Hole.

SEPTEMBER 2006, GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE, WESTWOOD.

--Steven Stanley