Grant Golden: May 2012 Archives

Regional May 30, 2012 8:00 AM
A MAN AND SOME WOMEN
THE BASICS: The Shaw Festival continues its exploration of the works of Shaw's fellow Fabian playwright, Githa Sowerby, with this domestic drama from 1914. Its original London run cut short by WWI, the play was not revived until 1996(!), and is just now receiving its first full North American production. Directed by Alisa Palmer, MAN/WOMEN is in repertory at the Courthouse Theatre through September 22nd. It runs about 110 minutes with its single intermission.
THUMBNAIL SKETCH: The action takes place primarily in the home of Richard Shannon, successful businessman and sole surviving male of the clan, at the time of his mother's death. The women under Richard's roof, his wife and two unwed sisters, are eager for the news of what Mother has left, and what portions will befall them. Richard, who has been living with a great secret and toiling unhappily on his family's behalf, finally reaches the breaking point, when unjustly accused by the elder