Enticing ‘terms’ With Linda Gray
August 9, 2007
With the constant column inches devoted to ‘the death of the play’ - allegedly suffocated by the musical, a new play is to be welcomed. But the piece itself will no doubt be criticised by high-brow lovers because it is based on a film. Terms Of Endearment was due to open in America but due to scheduling problems, it is touring the UK, before transferring to the West End. Therefore national reviewers are not permitted to review the play in York, the first stop.
Instead of slinging mud at the play, crying “Where are the original plays?” - I am going to welcome this production for several reasons. Firstly, the film featured two great parts for women; Aurora - the controlling mother who is longing to be loved and Emma - the feisty and stubborn daughter. In James L Brooks’ film - Shirley MacLaine played mom and won an Oscar for her troubles and the underrated Debra Winger was the ill fated daughter. Joining them was a ‘top of his game’, Jack Nicholson as the retired astronaut next door. Nicholson was also rewarded with an Oscar.
Who do we have in the play? Linda Gray and Suranne Jones play the sparring pair. Theatre snobs may be crying into their press releases but I think these two could spark off each other very well. Jones had a great run in Coronation Street as the much missed, Karen McDonald. She then defied many critics in her West End debut, A Few Good Men. As for Gray- having an American playing such an iconic film role is to be welcomed. Not only that, this actress learned how to chew scenery incredibly well in the must see TV soap of the 1980’s, Dallas.
The film puts people into two camps; you either feel that the material is worthy of a TV movie on Channel 5, or you love the way that the narrative changes gear halfway, evolving into a wonderful melodrama. I am not obsessed with the film, but I do remember much of the dialogue through many repeat viewings over the years. The combination of the witty, sharp dialogue and great performances is always worth revisiting in this age of sequels.
So, whilst some will say ‘recycled’ – and ‘where is the new work’ - I will be sat in the stalls in York, ready to be endeared by Brooks’ sparkling script all over again, on my terms. After all, that’s entertainment!
I will, of course report back here when I have seen the play. On paper though, this looks like a movie adaptation to savour as the material is ideally suited to the stage.
Terms Of Endearment opens at the York Theatre Royal on Friday 24th August. With tickets only £9 in previews, or £5 for student previews, this has got to be worth catching before it hits £50 in London. The play continues to tour the UK (excluding Manchester, unfortunately) until December.
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