Period of Adjustment

Synopsis

Korean war veteran George Haverstick hastily marries Isabel, whom he met in hospital while he was recovering from a nervous condition. To Isabel's horror, they drive to Florida on their honeymoon in an old hearse. They spend much of the time quarreling, and then, on Christmas Eve, they visit George's war buddy Ralph Baltz. Ralph's wife Dorothea has just walked out on him, taking their child. A tangled and explosively funny 24 hours ensues.

Our Review:

17 March 2006

From his perspective as an outsider, a homosexual writing in 1960, Tennessee Williams shines a forensic light on suburban marriage in the southern states in 1953. The results are often hilarious. Who would think to look in the Williams’ oeuvre for a Christmas comedy? The discovery of this one, as sweet as a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich - albeit with a helping of iron filings on the side - is most welcome.

Newly-married Isabel Haverstick is deposited on the doorstep of Ralph Bates’ compact little home in Nashville on a snowy Christmas Eve. Could there be a more fairytale all-American setting? A glowing fire, a Christmas tree and Bing Crosby singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on the television have not so far cheered Ralph, however. Still, he’s ready to welcome his old army chum George and his new bride. Unfortunately, George drives off without Isabel and, oh dear, Ralph’s wife has just left too. And besides, the sweet little house has a great fissure in its wal...

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Latest User Review

195.82.123.181) - 19 April 2006:

Thoroughly enjoyed this: a very untypical example of Williams' work, although there is much of his purple prose, there is also an optimism here and a gift for uproarious comedy (the end of Act 1 was like Deep South Ayckbourn!) that one wouldn't normally associate with this dramatist. Howard Davies' production doesn't put a foot wrong, from the magnificent set (you really believe this house is about to disappear down a chasm) to a fine cast of four. Benedict Cumberbatch's superbly wrought desperation and aggression is an interesting contrast from his recent stage work, Jared Harris is quietly haunting as his fundamentally decent friend, while Sandy McDade is hilarious as his prissy but lovable wife, and Lisa Dillon is best of all, displaying an unexpected gift for comedy alongside the pathos as an uprooted Southern belle: a wonderful performance. Highly recommended....

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