{"id":1019,"date":"2015-08-10T15:12:47","date_gmt":"2015-08-10T15:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hamptontheatre.org\/?page_id=1019"},"modified":"2015-08-27T16:15:41","modified_gmt":"2015-08-27T16:15:41","slug":"other-desert-cities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hamptontheatre.org\/?page_id=1019","title":{"rendered":"Other Desert Cities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GENERAL INFO<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \t\r\n
\r\n\"hampton<\/a>\r\n
by Jon Robin Baitz\r\ndirected by Sarah Hunnewell<\/h6>\r\n
October 24 – November 10, 2013<\/h6>\r\nJon Robin Baitz\u2019s drama about a family gathering at which the imminent publishing of an explosive memoir threatens to tear the family apart. \u201cThe most richly enjoyable new play for grown-ups that New York has known in many seasons.\u201d – NY Times\r\n<\/div>\r\n
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\r\nCAST:<\/strong>\r\nPolly Wyeth – DIANA MARBURY\r\nBrooke Wyeth – MORGAN VAUGHAN\r\nLyman Wyeth – CRAIG BRAUN\r\nTrip Wyeth – IAN BELL\r\nSilda Grauman – VAY DAVID\r\n<\/div>
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WHO'S WHO<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \t\r\nCRAIG BRAUN<\/strong> (Lyman) has been a professional actor for 12 years since taking early retirement from the Warner Music Group where he was Creative and Marketing Director. New York theater credits include Macbeth<\/em>, \u2018Tis Pity She\u2019s a Whore<\/em>, Deathtrap<\/em> and Merchant of Venice<\/em>. Los Angeles stage: Our Lady of 121st Street<\/em> and Proof<\/em>, as well as world premieres of Damages<\/em> and The Million Bells of Ocean<\/em>. TV guest star roles on Cold Case<\/em>, ER<\/em>, The Practice<\/em>\u00a0and Law & Order: SVU<\/em>, as well as the lead role in the acclaimed German miniseries, Betrayal in Paradise<\/em>. Film work includes Swordfish<\/em>, Great Expectations<\/em>, Flawless<\/em>, The Associate <\/em>and Surviving Eden<\/em>. A tip of the hat to his late acting coach and mentor, Milton Katselas, who inspired him to pursue his lifelong dream, as well as to The Actors Studio where Craig is a lifetime member.\r\n\r\nIAN BELL<\/strong> (Trip). After graduating from NYU\u2019s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Film, Ian went on to study with the incomparable Terry Schreiber at his studio in New York. When he is not acting, Ian works professionally on film, television and commercial projects. Ian\u2019s favorite theater credits include: Balm in Gilead<\/em> and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot<\/em>. He can be seen in the upcoming AFI feature film Half Brother<\/em>. Ian currently resides in Brooklyn. Check him out at ianandrewbell.com<\/a>.\r\n\r\nVAY DAVID<\/strong> (Silda) has \u2013 onstage, on the radio or on paper \u2013 largely earned her living with the spoken or written word. Favorite onstage roles include Kate in Taming of the Shrew<\/em>, Meg in Damn Yankees<\/em>, Hattie in Follies<\/em>, Mrs. Lintott in The History Boys<\/em>, Mother Miriam Ruth in Agnes of God<\/em>, the title character Off-Broadway in Shaw\u2019s Mrs. Warren\u2019s Profession<\/em> and, most recently at Southampton Cultural Center, the hardhearted Duchess Elizabeth in Tina Andrews\u2019 Buckingham<\/em>. She and husband, graphic designer John Laudando, live in East Hampton and are the J&V of JV Advertising & Design. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be back on stage in Quogue \u2013 haven\u2019t trod these particular boards since A Streetcar Named Desire<\/em>! It\u2019s exciting to be part of a great cast in a terrific play.\u201d\r\n\r\nDIANA MARBURY<\/strong> (Polly, Set Decor) is pleased to tread the boards with such a talented cast. Diana directed How The Other Half Loves<\/em>\u00a0last spring and was seen most recently as Bea Sullivan in Other People’s Money<\/em>, Dottie in Good People<\/em>, and Helga Ten Dorp in Deathtrap<\/em>. She is the Artistic Director of the HTC and has worn many hats over the years. She would like to thank all the \u201cbehind the scenes\u201d people who make these productions possible.\r\n\r\nMORGAN VAUGHAN<\/strong> (Brooke) made her debut with the HTC last fall as Margaret in the company\u2019s critically acclaimed production of Good People<\/em>. She played Lady Macbeth in Macbeth<\/em> last winter with the Round Table Theatre Company which she runs with her husband Tristan. The company also offers an acting class called \u201cSpeaking Shakespeare\u201d at Guild Hall as well as a summer performing arts camp. Regional credits include Patsy in Always, Patsy Cline<\/em>; Catherine in Proof<\/em>; Helen in The Cripple of Inishmaan<\/em>; Nancy in Oliver<\/em>; and Brooke\/Vicki in Noises Off<\/em>. She holds an M.F.A. in Acting from The Shakespeare Theatre Company\u2019s Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University in D.C. and a Certificate in Acting Shakespeare from RADA. She is lead singer in an eclectic rock and jazz standards duo.\r\n\r\nJON ROBIN BAITZ<\/strong> (Playwright)\u2019s plays include The Film Society<\/em>, The Substance of Fire<\/em>, The End of the Day<\/em>, Three Hotels<\/em>, A Fair Country<\/em> (Pulitzer Prize finalist 1996), Mizlansky\/Zilinsky<\/em>, Ten Unknowns<\/em> and The Paris Letter<\/em>, as well as a version of Hedda Gabler<\/em> that appeared on Broadway in 2001. He is the creator of Brothers & Sisters<\/em>, a television series that ran for five seasons on ABC. Other television work includes PBS\u2019s version of Three Hotels<\/em>, for which he won the Humanitas Prize, and episodes of The West Wing<\/em> and Alias<\/em>. He is the author of two screenplays: the film script for The Substance of Fire<\/em> (1996) and People I Know<\/em> (2002). Mr. Baitz is a founding member of Naked Angels theater company, and on the faculties of the MFA programs at The New School for Drama and Stony Brook Southampton. Other Desert Cities<\/em> won the Outer Critics Circle Award in 2011.\r\n\r\nSARAH HUNNEWELL<\/strong> (Director) has directed over 20 plays for the Hampton Theatre Company, favorites among which are The Drawer Boy<\/em>, Good People<\/em>, Rabbit Hole<\/em>, One Flew Over the Cuckoo\u2019s Nest<\/em>, Summer and Smoke<\/em>, A View From the Bridge<\/em>, Proof<\/em>, Fuddy Meers <\/em>and The Rainmaker<\/em>. Sarah is Executive Director of the HTC.\r\n\r\nJAMES EWING <\/strong>(Assistant Director, Set Construction) founded the HTC in 1984 and has since appeared in over 20 productions and designed and built numerous sets. He directed Other People\u2019s Money<\/em> last season. Special gratitude to his reliable and skilled production team all listed in the program. And, of course, to Sarah for her wise guidance and fortitude as we stumble along in these efforts.\r\n\r\nSEAN MARBURY<\/strong> (Set Design) has designed the sets for the HTC\u2019s productions of How the Other Half Loves<\/em>, Other People\u2019s Money <\/em>and Deathtrap<\/em> and worked in collaboration with James Ewing on The Drawer Boy<\/em>. He has worked for many years building HTC sets alongside his father Peter and friend James Ewing. He is thrilled to once again don the esteemed mantle of set designer with this production.\r\n\r\nSEBASTIAN PACZYNSKI<\/strong> (Lighting Designer) first worked with the Hampton Theatre Company when he designed the company\u2019s 2003 production of Summer and Smoke<\/em> at Guild Hall and has designed all the company\u2019s productions since Proof<\/em> in 2004 as well as the theater\u2019s new lighting system. He has designed lighting for theater, dance and special events in a number of Broadway, Off Broadway, Off Off Broadway and regional venues. He has also worked in film and television as the director of photography. He has designed numerous productions for Guild Hall and for the Hamptons Shakespeare Festival.\r\n\r\nTERESA LEBRUN<\/strong> (Costume Designer) is the resident costumer for the Hampton Theatre Company and has designed costumes for all the company\u2019s recent productions. Teresa has also costumed for Spindletop Productions at Guild Hall. Much love to her boys Josh and Noah.\r\n\r\nJOHN ZALESKI<\/strong> (Production Stage Manager). It\u2019s an honor to again work with such fine and talented people. John would like to dedicate this to the memory of Barbara D. And please support pancreatic cancer research.\r\n\r\nJEAN PLITT<\/strong> (Rehearsal Stage Manager). It is a pleasure to work with the talented people who perform or are involved in the production of each show presented by the Hampton Theatre Company. From auditions to opening night, the process of bringing the \u201cpage to the stage\u201d requires the creative energies of all involved, and I am very happy to be part of it. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Other Desert Cities<\/em>!\r\n\r\nROB DOWLING<\/strong> (Lighting & Sound Technician) has done lighting and sound for 22 years at the North Fork Community Theater, Vail-Leavitt Music Hall, Producer\u2019s Club (NYC), the Loft Theater at Dowling College and the Southampton Cultural Center. He has also helped Sebastian with lighting set up at Guild Hall, the Ross School, and other local venues. \u201cMany thanks, Sebastian!\u201d This is Rob\u2019s seventh season with the Hampton Theatre Company. He is very happy to be part of the show and the company.\r\n\n <\/div>\n

PRODUCTION STAFF<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \t\r\n
\r\nDirector – SARAH HUNNEWELL\r\nAssistant Director – JAMES EWING\r\nSet Design – SEAN MARBURY\r\nSet Decor – DIANA MARBURY\r\nLighting Design – SEBASTIAN PACZYNSKI\r\nCostume Design – TERESA LEBRUN\r\nProduction Stage Manager – JOHN ZALESKI\r\nRehearsal Stage Manager – JEAN PLITT\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
\r\nSet Construction – JAMES EWING, SEAN MARBURY, TONY CINQUE, CALVIN LEVINE,\r\nMICK MORONEY, MARYANN KNOKE, SEAMUS NAUGHTON, VINCENT RASULO\r\nLighting\/Sound Tech – ROB DOWLING, SEAMUS NAUGHTON\r\nSound Design – SARAH HUNNEWELL\r\nProduction Graphics – JOE PALLISTER\r\nProgram, Publicity & Box Office – SARAH HUNNEWELL\r\nHouse Manager – JULIA MORGAN ABRAMS\r\nAdvertising Sales – SARAH HUNNEWELL, LUCINDA MORRISEY, PIA TAGUE\r\nProduction Photographer – TOM KOCHIE\r\n\r\n<\/div>
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REVIEWS<\/a><\/p>\n

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“OTHER DESERT CITIES” WORTHY OF BROADWAY<\/h3>\r\nby Dan Rattiner\r\nDan’s Papers<\/strong>\r\n\r\nI went to the Quogue premiere of Jon Robin Baitz\u2019s play Other Desert Cities last Thursday evening.\r\n\r\nThe Hampton Theatre Company, which makes its home at the historic Quogue Community Hall, doesn\u2019t fool around. Its recent productions include Other People\u2019s Money by Jerry Sterner, Deathtrapby Ira Levin, Desperate Affection by Bruce Graham and The Drawer Boy by Michael Healey. These are all plays that draw the best out of the actors. Other Desert Cities, which had its Broadway debut in 2011 to rave reviews, is no exception. Sometimes compared to Edward Albee\u2019s Who\u2019s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, it all takes place in a living room, this one, unlike Albee\u2019s, in Palm Springs, California. The set is well-to-do and sleek, Palm Springs modern \u2014 with a stone fireplace, all glass windows and the high walls of a canyon, not far away outside. There are couches and chairs, a bar, and off in a corner a Christmas tree. But the whole sense of the place is barrenness and isolation. A family drama will go on here. A drama that will pit the wills of five astonishingly different family members, all of whom have assembled because it is Christmas. It\u2019s something they have to do once a year. And so they are.\r\n\r\nThis canyon home belongs to Polly and Lyman Wyeth, a couple in their late 60s or early 70s. She is a member of the Palm Springs social set. Her husband Lyman is a former movie actor turned politician who rose to become an ambassador during the reign of Ronald Reagan. They are both staunch Republicans. At their home on this day arrive their youngest son, now fully grown, named Trip, who is a television producer in Hollywood. He is whatever-it-takes practical and an easygoing kid, until things begin to unfold. Their other child arriving is their middle child, a daughter named Brooke. Brooke is a left wing liberal, a successful author, a fragile but determined figure who is, underneath it all, still at war with her Reagan-loving parents and all they stand for. She has brought a Christmas present. And this is the topic of the play.\r\n\r\nThe Christmas present is the manuscript of her latest book, a memoir, all about how her awful parents drove their oldest son, who is not present, to become a hippie left wing revolutionary whose bomb, setting fire to a government facility, resulted in the death of a janitor a full 30 years before. This son is not present because, leaving his filthy hippie clothes on the deck of the Puget Sound ferry along with a note to his parents, he leaped overboard. The publicity about this was such a shock to the Wyeth family that it has not been talked about in all these years.vAn excerpt of Brooke\u2019s new book, soon to be published, will appear in The New Yorker in 60 days. She has brought her manuscript to her parents to ask their \u201copinion.\u201d They sure give it to her.\r\n\r\nAlso included at this house, the fifth person, is Polly Wyeth\u2019s sister Silda. She\u2019s also elderly, a drunk, hopeless and she hates her sister who, along with her ambassador husband, have taken her in.\r\n\r\nThe drama is gripping, twisting and gut wrenching. What a family.\r\n\r\nThe performance is worthy of Broadway. It\u2019s rare to see local theater performed at this level. Directed by Sarah Hunnewell, the plot, stage management and timing simply rips along. Diana Marbury, as Polly, gives an absolutely spectacular performance. She is a shaft of Republican steel, and gives no quarter. She is utterly believable, and she is terrifying.\r\n\r\nHer husband, Lyman, played by Craig Braun, is equally Republican and equally in charge, but with a veneer of cordiality that, even at the astonishing end of the play, does not break, although after that, in a kind of \u201cnow the smoke clears\u201d coda, apparently, offstage, does.\r\n\r\nIan Bell\u2019s performance of Trip, the youngest son, is flawless, perfectly in character as he shifts from position to position in the play, often seemingly not sure he appreciates his new position swimming through uncharted waters, although he seems to be the only one of the group who has a full understanding of what is happening here. He also loves his family. And that doesn\u2019t help.\r\n\r\nVay David, as drunken sister Silda, sleeps on a couch through much of the action. But when awake, she performs Silda with complexity, irony and a kind of theatrical revenge. She\u2019s not the brightest of the group, however.\r\n\r\nIt would not be possible to say that anyone stole this show. It is an ensemble and has to remain in that framework, which it does. But the work of Morgan Vaughan, as Brooke Wyeth, shines above all. All these roles demand great flexibility, but the character of Brooke is something else entirely, a complex, driven, brilliant, overly sensitive, liberal, determined but angry young woman and Vaughan rises to this in a way that is unforgettable.\r\n

GLASS HO– USE WRECKED BY POWERFUL PEN<\/h3>\r\nby Anita Boyer\r\nSouthampton Press and East Hampton Press<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOther Desert Cities, a play by Jon Robin Baitz and directed for the Hampton Theatre Company by Sarah Hunnewell, portrays a less-than-festive Christmas eve at the Wyeth house. It seems that even the family\u2019s wealth, success and close personal relationships with the Reagan White House can\u2019t save them from themselves during the 2004 holiday season.\r\n\r\nNobody, it seems, is interested in togetherness. Nor are they about to discuss old wounds that were created when a family member committed suicide.\r\n\r\nThe parents, Polly and Lyman, are affluent, retired Hollywood types who now live in Palm Springs, California, and they are miserable. Their daughter, Brooke, a writer whose unflattering portrait of the family is about to be published, barely clings to sanity after a complete mental breakdown. Aunt Silda is fresh from rehab, and the couple\u2019s only living son, Trip, is stuck in the middle and holding on by a thread.\r\n\r\n\u201cYou know that sign on the highway where you can either turn off for Palm Springs or keep going to \u2018Other Desert Cities\u2019? I am always so tempted just to keep on driving, you know,\u201d laments Brooke, inhabited with skill and precision by Morgan Duke Vaughan.\r\n\r\nAs Brooke, Ms. Vaughan\u2019s physical representation of the role doesn\u2019t hide the fact that this visit with her parents is stress inducing. Her constant, yet not distracting, anxious ticks and shakes add depth and resonance to the character. It would be easy to overdo it but the actor plays the physicality of the role brilliantly, which kept this reviewer on the edge of her seat.\r\n\r\nPolly, played with strength and sophistication by Diana Marbury, is the matriarch of the house. She keeps the family in line and presses everyone\u2019s buttons to make sure they are consistently cared for or shamed into order. Ms. Wyeth rivals Emily Post in her push for propriety. For her, the way things appear seem to be more important than what they actually are.\r\n\r\nMs. Marbury\u2019s tight-lipped grin and disappointed sighs that often precede biting comments toward her daughter\u2014such as, \u201cFamilies get terrorized by their weakest member\u201d\u2014were effective and on the mark.\r\n\r\nFormer silver screen star turned Republican hotshot, Lyman, played by Craig Braun, is a beautiful shell of a man. He has lost a son, he fears losing his daughter, and he can do little to maintain peace or order in his own home.\r\n\r\nAt first glance, he seems tormented by the lack of decorum and respect from his children, but the vast windows into his public life as a politician might also show that perhaps Mr. Wyeth\u2019s greatest acting role has not yet wrapped. Mr. Braun hits all the right notes in the role.\r\n\r\nOther Desert Cities is a heavy story, which is lightened with much needed comedic relief from Trip, played by Ian Bell, and eccentric Aunt Silda Grauman, played by Vay David. Trip, who uses comedy as a defense mechanism for coping with his family, is thrown into the position of negotiator, begging them to let bygones be bygones at least until the New Year. Aunt Silda\u2019s brash sarcasm contrasted well with her sister\u2019s rigid nature. Well done by both of these fine actors.\r\n\r\nSean Marbury\u2019s set design, always a standard-bearer, outdid itself in Other Desert Cities. Here, he created an absolutely breathtaking view of the desert through the windows of the parental abode. The wall of glass windows that traps the Wyeth family is like a television set ever on display for public consumption, keeping this family playing roles instead of living the truth.\r\n\r\nBringing subtle plot points to life, the stage itself provides a master course in drama. For example, Brooke describes her parents as two great oak trees\u2014pillars of the family keeping\u2014yet the twisted, gnarled and dried out trunks that creep in beside the hearth illustrate a different reality.\r\n\r\nThe riveting story, which ends at a reading for Brooke\u2019s memoir, will keep the audience on the edge of their seats as it unfolds. It\u2019s clear to see why this brilliant ensemble piece, finely staged by the Hampton Theatre Company, was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.\r\n

“OTHER DESERT CITIES” REVIEW<\/h3>\r\nBy STEVE PARKS\r\nNewsday<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThere are secrets you share with your best friends that you wouldn’t dare tell your children. Or ask your parents about. So it’s not unusual for grown children to feel a bit like guests when they return home. In “Other Desert Cities, making its Long Island premiere in a Hampton Theatre Company production, Brooke Wyeth, a novelist and soon-to-be memoirist, feels alienated. There’s a sign on the highway from the airport, where Brooke has flown from her Sag Harbor home, that reads: “turn off for Palm Springs or keep going to ‘Other Desert Cities’.”\r\n\r\n“I am always so tempted,” she says, “just to keep on driving.”\r\n\r\nBrooke, played by Morgan Vaughan with the fiercely conflicted independence of an adult who realizes she’s forever a child to her parents, is about to give up her secret. It will ruin Christmas. The novel she was writing turned out to be a nonfiction account of her family’s most horrific episode. Her older brother, Henry, killed himself after being implicated in the bombing of a military recruitment center. She’s learned from her Aunt Silda, a recovering alcoholic played with conspiratorial vengeance by Vay David, that her parents may have driven Henry to his fate.\r\n\r\nBrooke’s taciturn dad, Lyman, portrayed by Craig Braun as a father who never knew how to reach his children, nevertheless adores his daughter. Mom, on the other hand, thinks the best way to handle kids is to lash them with her tongue. Diana Marbury as Polly Wyeth wields her rapier wit like a thrusting sword. But she goes easy on her favorite child, the baby of the family. Trip, as played by Ian Bell, tries to see all sides in the triangulated family feud \u2013 not as peacemaker so much as reluctant mediator.\r\n\r\nLyman and Polly were once stars in the Reagan-worshipping Republican firmament. Lyman, who recalls Ronnie and Nancy fondly, specialized in death scenes in his movies, while Polly and Silda co-wrote screenplays. But after their son’s death, the Wyeths exiled themselves in luxury. They try to persuade Brooke to delay her book until they’re both gone.\r\n\r\nSean Marbury’s desert-domicile set reflects an apt fishbowl airiness, but the mountains look too much like the painted backdrop they are. Teresa LeBrun’s costumes capture the clan’s generational liberal-conservative divide, while Sarah Hunnewell’s direction keeps pace with Jon Robin Baitz’s acidly revealing dialogue \u2013 right through the blind twist that changes everything.\r\n\r\nWe all have secrets. This one’s a doozy.\r\n

SHIFTING SANDS, DEFTLY HANDLED<\/h3>\r\nBy Bridget LeRoy\r\nThe East Hampton Star\r\n<\/strong>\r\nThe Hampton Theatre Company, which has been bringing drama to the people since the mid-\u201980s, opened its 2013-14 season last week with Jon Robin Baitz\u2019s \u201cOther Desert Cities,\u201d a meaty choice and hopefully the beginning of a winning season for the Quogue group.\r\n\r\nMr. Baitz\u2019s play, first performed at Lincoln Center in 2011 and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize that year, is set on Christmas Eve 2004 at the Palm Springs home of Lyman and Polly Wyeth, a well-to-do Republican couple with connections in both Washington and Hollywood. Their children are visiting \u2014 Trip, a producer of a reality justice show starring old celebrities as jurors, and Brooke, who is returning for the first time in many years after a successful novel and a nervous breakdown. Also staying with the Wyeths is Silda, Polly\u2019s sister, who is in early recovery (again) and just out of rehab.\r\n\r\nThe lines are drawn early in the evening: The parents and children don\u2019t see eye to eye politically. Silda is the \u201ccool aunt,\u201d still in touch with the Jewish heritage that Polly has packed away in favor of County Club beige, and Lyman, an actor turned ambassador, wants to avoid any unpleasantness and keep the peace between his wife and daughter.\r\n\r\nBut peace will not be kept when Brooke brings several copies of her soon-to-be-published new book, which dredges up a deep and dark event from the family\u2019s past \u2014 the terrorist actions and suicide of Lyman\u2019s oldest son.\r\n\r\nTo say more would give too much away. This play is about the slow reveals. Although there is much talk of judging and fairness, Mr. Baitz shows how hard it is to adjudicate a verdict when family is involved.\r\n\r\nThe set, designed by Sean Marbury, is a loving tableau to desert design, complete with big stone fireplace, a wall of autographed pictures from Nancy and Ronnie and John Wayne, and windows showing the rocky and arid Coachella Valley beyond. It was gratifying to see Mr. Marbury pick up and wear the cloak left by his father, the brilliant designer Peter Marbury, with such grace and style.\r\n\r\nDiana Marbury, artistic director of H.T.C., offers a wonderful performance as Polly Wyeth, a woman comfortable in her habitat and easy to dismiss as a WASP, but with layers of both coolness and warmth underneath, and a need to protect her standing at any cost. \u201cYou can die from too much sensitivity in this world,\u201d she says, a phrase with a meaning that warps as the evening progresses.\r\n\r\nCraig Braun as Lyman Wyeth gives a solid performance as the king of all he surveys, and why not? It\u2019s December of 2004, Dubya\u2019s in charge for another four years, and all is right in his world. But Mr. Braun brings layers of depth to Wyeth as well, especially toward the end of the evening.\r\n\r\nVay David adds levity as Aunt Silda, a woman with dark secrets of her own, and Ian Bell offers bright spots as the youngest wise-cracking son in a dysfunctional family. But it is Morgan Vaughan as Brooke who steals the spotlight. Her heartbreaking portrayal of a woman on the verge \u2014 of losing her mind, of publishing another book, of telling her family what she really thinks of them \u2014 is brought to a head in the second act, and Ms. Vaughan\u2019s performance is heartfelt and real every step of the way.\r\n\r\nSarah Hunnewell directs this able ensemble with a deft touch. There is some awkward blocking in the beginning, but it sort of works with a family that feels awkward around each other anyway. And the message \u2014 that the truth shall set you free, no matter what that truth is \u2014 rings out loud and clear in Ms. Hunnewell\u2019s production.\r\n

THE HAMPTON THEATRE COMPANY’S OTHER DESERT CITIES<\/h3>\r\nby Melissa Giordano\r\nBroadway World<\/strong>\r\n\r\nJon Robin Baitz’ Other Desert Cities shows a realistic example of how families are nowadays. Dysfunction, love, and the influence family members have on one another are performed with panache at the Hampton Theatre Company’s Sarah Hunnewell directed presentation of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony nominee. Running through November 10th at the charming Long Island venue in Quogue, each member of the cast was great in their respective roles.\r\n\r\nDiana Marbury, the Company’s Artistic Director, portrays Polly Wyeth, the matriarch of the prominent Californian family. She is a former Hollywood screenwriter turned politician’s wife who is indeed a woman of strength and courage. At the same time, she can also be cold and is deeply devoted to the preservation of her family’s name even to the point having an extremely harsh conversation with her daughter.\r\n\r\nMorgan Vaughan wonderfully portrays daughter Brooke Wyeth. She is a book writer living in Sag Harbor, Long Island, who recently recovered from a nervous breakdown. One thing that got her through her depression was her writing and what resulted was a fiery memoir – not initially what she was going for – highlighting a tragic family event. This is the main focus of the play. She returned after six years to seek her parents’ blessing for the book’s publication but that, of course, proves to be a challenge. The portrayal of Brooke could have probably been more frazzled and “on-edge” but Ms. Vaughan gave a wonderful performance overall.\r\n\r\nAlso among the talented cast was Craig Braun as Lyman who is the patriarch of the Wyeth family. Lyman’s name is a recognizable one having been a Hollywood “B” actor. He turned to politics but still today has some celebrity and political influence. He tries to keep neutral as Brooke fights with her mother about the tell-all but he’s torn and tries to keep the peace especially it being around the Christmas holidays. Mr. Braun portrayed the many sides of Lyman well also highlighting the love and care he has for his adult children.\r\n\r\nPolly and Lyman’s youngest, Trip, portrayed by Ian Bell, is also in the entertainment industry. Mr. Bell portrayed Trip comically putting a sarcastic-laid back spin on the role.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, Vay David portrayed Silda Grauman, Polly’s recovering alcoholic sister. Silda and Polly were a writing duo for Television back in the day so Silda was very bohemian and artsy yet irresponsible and fragile. She realizes very reluctantly that she is dependent on Polly and Lyman so she lives at their home.\r\n\r\nAlso a highlight was the interesting set designed by Sean Marbury making great use of the small space. Set in the Wyeth’s living room, the half circle backdrop was divided into fifths. The first and fifth panels – closest to the audience on stage left and right- were filled with pictures and knickknacks for the living room d\u00e9cor. The second and fourth panels were, in essence, a large bay window looking over the beautiful landscape of California. Then the third panel – the one in the middle – was a fireplace. However, it seemed awkwardly placed and you sort of had to do a double take because it all blended together. Perhaps bringing the fireplace up a little bit – or eliminating it – would have been more effective. It was definitely a well done set, but that part just seemed out of place.\r\n\r\nAll in all, the Hampton Theatre Company certainly has another hit on its hands with Other Desert Cities. A realistic story, wonderful cast, and great direction make for a wonderful night of theatre.\r\n\n <\/div>\n

AUDIENCE COMMENTS<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \t\r\nTrue to tradition, the Hampton Theatre Company continues to knock them out of the park. \u201cOther Desert Cities\u201d by John Robin Baitz is simply stunning. It is an ensemble performance in which the actors are so good that while we watch they do not seem to be acting so much as living the roles. The interaction of the characters is not unlike that of chamber music, each part interweaving to create a whole.! ! Diana Marbury as Polly Wyeth, Craig Braun as Lyman Wyeth, Vay David as Polly\u2019s just-out-of-rehab sister, and Ian Bell as Trip, the Wyeth\u2019s son, are simply superb. Morgan Vaughan inhabits the part of Brooke Wyeth. Brooke has dropped a bomb on the Christmas celebration by revealing that she has written a memoir about her unyieldingly Republican show biz parents, and about her brother Henry, who has taken his own life after participating in an urban guerilla action, and inadvertently taken the life of an innocent bystander. He is, nevertheless, palpably present in his absence.! The play is a searing examination of the demands of art, the cost of keeping secrets, family loyalty, and above all, love and forgiveness.\r\n– FRED VOLKMER<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWe found “Desert” very difficult, challenging, and beautifully executed. Difficult, and so sad a family situation, a challenge to act \u2013 it must have been exhausting emotionally \u2013 but so well done. Each character was so true, the father, the mother, the aunt, daughter and son. Of course the set was perfect, as usual! Hats off to you all! Wow!\r\n– LEE WADELTON<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThanks to everyone at the Hampton Theatre Company for another enjoyable evening. As usual the set was magnificent, the acting professional and the play engrossing. And as one who saw the Broadway play I can say your production was interchangeable with the New York offering. Thanks for all your work.\r\n– DAVID SAGMAN, M.D.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWe enjoyed the show so very much. Good acting, stage design, staging etc. A job very well done.\r\n– DOROTHY NICOLL<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWe were there with friends on Saturday night. We loved the play and thought the performances were terrific. We’ll be back.\r\n– PAULA COHEN<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWe were not prepared for the ending. It kept us clued to the dialogue until the bitter end. So much to ponder. Great twist. Makes you question everything you think is true. Nothing is what it seems. Just loved it. Thank you.\r\n– JUDITH PFISTER<\/strong>\r\n\r\nGreat acting and an excellent set.\r\n– JAMES SPERBER<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAn outstanding performance especially that of Vay David. Memorable. Easy to recommend to others. Thanks for your good work.\r\n– JACQUI LOFARO<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWhat a fabulous production! Such an excellent ensemble of actors. Wow, it’s amazing how good local theatre can be! Kudos to the entire cast! And director Sarah Hunnewell – superb job!\r\n– PAT KILLIAN<\/strong>\r\n\r\nI thought the show was great. Have recommended the play to all my friends.\r\n– ROSEMARY MCALLISTER<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAbsolutely fantastic. What a twist!\r\n– MARK SCHUMACHER<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA superb show\u2026 Every member of the cast was marvelous… As well as a terrific set. Thanks for providing a wonderful evening. It’s extra nice to hear that big round of applause from a virtually full house.\r\n– DONALD & JUDY GRUHN<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u2026 how much we enjoyed your very fine production of \u201cOther Desert Cities.\u201d We were particularly impressed by the work of the two young actors. And of course much of the credit goes to the very fine direction of Sarah Hunnewell. It was first rate. Congratulations.\r\n– PENNY WRIGHT<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt was wonderful\u2026 Great theater!!!\r\n– BEVERLY GEIGER<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis play was fantastic, actors terrific, sets marvelous. I am especially taken by Morgan Vaughan. This is the second play I have seen her in and she is tremendously talented. Diana, as always, was brilliant!\r\n– LINNI DEIHL<\/strong>\r\n\r\nI loved it!! One of the most interesting shows I’ve seen. Cast was stupendous. Congratulations to all.\r\n– SANDRA POWERS<\/strong>\r\n\r\nI have been attending the theater for the last four years, but this play was the best ever. From the story line to the acting by the talented cast members, I would say it was an OSCAR winning performance. Thank you for bringing this fine form of the arts to the East End.\r\n– FRAN CONIGLIARO<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u201cOther Desert Cities\u201d is one of the best plays I have ever seen. The acting was superb \u2013 Broadway quality. Thank you for all your hard work.\r\n– KAREN CIRINCIONE<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTeri and I really enjoyed the show. Thanks for all your effort.\r\n– RICHARD SHANLEY<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWe thought the play was excellent. Very professional. We look forward to the other plays this season.\r\n– SUE OXENHORN<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt was wonderful. Great acting and a good play. Many thanks.\r\n– MICHELLE ROUSSAN<\/strong>\r\n\r\nLOVED IT!!!!!!!!!\r\n– LAWRENCE STRICKLAND<\/strong>\r\n\r\nLast night’s play was fabulous.\r\n– PAUL MEJEAN<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe show blew me away and the actors were absolutely awesome. Never suspected the ending. I was on the edge of my seat during the last half of the second act. GREAT ACTING FROM ALL. Many thanks for all your shows but especially this one.\r\n– FRANCES TENNARO<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt was the best ever! Wonderful, wonderful play, great dialogue, good characters, fabulous acting!!\r\n– JENNY S. ROSS<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA wonderful play wonderfully produced and acted. We are still talking about it. Well worth the trip from East Hampton to Quoque.\r\n– NICK BRYAN<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt was a WOW! Great set also.\r\n– KEN JACOPPI<\/strong>\r\n\r\nLoved it. Well done, Sarah and all the cast. Great set.\r\n– PAMELA ORNSTEIN<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u201cOther Desert Cities\u201d was excellent – one of the best productions my husband and I have seen over the years! Fabulous set\u2026 and the acting – WOW! Each and every actor was so impressive! We are looking forward to the rest of the lineup!\r\n– LINDA EUELL<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\r\n\r\nGallery images by Tom Kochie\r\n\r\n\n\t\t