Monday, April 17, 2023

 PART TWO OF 

THE INHERITANCE

VINTAGE THEATRE: APR 7 – MAY 14

 

 

                   L-R: Dakota Chase Hill and Andy Anderson

THIS PRODUCTION WILL HAUNT YOU LONG AFTER THE FINAL CURTAIN. 

RUN TO GET TICKETS.

 

 

Matthew Lopez’s “The Inheritance,” is a sprawling two-part opus that uses E.M. Forster’s “Howard’s End” as blueprint. Having won the Olivier for Best Play in London, “The Inheritance” also garnered a 2020 Tony for Best Play on Broadway. 

     Forster’s words, “just connect” lead us into a far more visceral interconnectivity activation in Part Two.         

     Having become familiar with the characters in Part One, we as audience are now given their back-stories. 

     Our perception of the words and actions of Toby Darling become somewhat softened once we learn about his early life.

   The introduction of Young Henry and Young Walter, played with animated exuberance by Joe Barnard and Reese Blanton respectively, shed light on their more mature selves.

     The argument about politics involving Henry Wilcox’s (Andy Anderson) wealthy elitism and right-wing views as opposed to the more liberal points of view of the ensemble, rivets.

     As Toby Darling, Bobby Bennett continues a performance one can only refer to as a tour de force.

     Likewise, Andy Anderson as Henry Wilcox and Dakota Chase Hill as Eric Glass deliver stunning performances. 

     As Margaret Avery, the caretaker of Walter’s home, Deborah Persoff is luminous and utterly natural in a heart-opening scene near final curtain. 

     Persoff’s heartfelt aria recounting her reconnection with her son, and subsequent assisting of others in need, is both poignant and bittersweet. 

    One would be remiss not to mention the work of director Bernie Cardell. 

     Cardell’s quick-paced, layered direction illuminates Lopez’s writing in what one can only refer to as sheer magic. His transitions are as seamless as those in a Beethoven symphony.

 

               Not to Be Missed!

 

    Part One and Part Two of the play may be seen one after the other on some days or else one at a time. Each runs about three hours, and like two-part plays such as “Angels in America” and “The Kentucky Cycle,” each play is ticketed separately.

 

 

 

 

(Leave the kids home.)

303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010

 

 

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