The Homecoming
Reviewed by Aubrey Tarantino
Have you ever seen a show that is so shocking that you find yourself still thinking about it and trying to understand it days later? A show that you just can’t stop talking about to anyone who will listen? That's Auriga Productions’ The Homecoming for me. If you don’t already know the plot of The Homecoming, I highly recommend not looking into it, if you enjoy being surprised.. Just go see the production and let yourself be in the moment with what’s playing out in front of you.
What really brings this all to life are the six actors, fully embodied in their roles and committed to who they are asked to portray. What I will give away is that this play focuses on the dynamics and lives of a family in North London. There is Max, a retired butcher, his brother Sam, who is a chauffeur, and then two of Max’s sons, Lenny and Joey, who are all living in the same house together. During the play, Max’s oldest son, Teddy, comes back to visit the family with his wife, Ruth.
Max, the patriarch of the family, is played by Malcolm Stephenson. Stephenson has an incredible stage presence and the ability to make the audience feel like the character isn’t a character at all, but Stephenson playing himself. I especially love the interactions with his brother, Sam, who is played by Michael Johnson. What struck me most about Johnson is the resemblance that he shares with my own uncle, the type of man who finds pride in his own hard work. Johnson has a natural ease onstage that makes the audience feel like he isn’t playing a part. He just feels at home.
Next, Max’s two sons, Lenny and Joey, who live with Max and Sam. Lenny is played by Brandon Whitlock, who I have seen in a couple of plays before, so I had an idea of what to expect when I saw his name on the playbill. Whitlock is an actor who consistently hits it out of the park. He absorbs whatever character he’s playing into his very being, and it’s always amazing to watch. He has an excellent pace himself and delivers each line with intention. His brother, Joey, is played by Carter Frost, who I loved watching. Frost is the epitome of the blue-collar worker in this show, and his accent hit just right on every line he delivered.
Then we have the oldest brother, Teddy, and his wife, Ruth. Teddy is played by David Wallis, who is able to hold tension in his body well. His character goes through waves of nervousness and jittery feelings throughout the play, which Wallis portrays genuinely. Watching him and Ruth, played by Araceli Radillo, is particularly fun. Radillo is smooth and steady. She knows what she wants, and she knows she can get it. Her confidence is unmatched in this show and watching her is just delightful.
If you’re looking for a show that will make your jaw drop, and keep it there, I recommend seeing The Homecoming! You will not be disappointed, but you will be talking about it for days after. This show is happening downstairs at the Bathhouse Cultural Center and closes August 26th, so I’d be quick about getting your tickets! Tickets can be purchased at auriga-productions.ticketleap.com
Audience Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes, 10 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable volume level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: Kissing/Make Out Scenes
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