| "The Little Foxes" is a Real Treat | | Print | |
| Written by David Springstead | |
| Wednesday, 08 November 2006 | |
 "THE LITTLE FOXES" by Lillian Hellman is one of those shows that could
be overly melodramatic if not handled well by both director and cast.
The Little Theatre of Norfolk has been blessed with just such an
occurance.
A play in three acts that deal with the newly "re-constructed" South at the turn of the 20th century, we are introduced to one of those southern families that was never a part of the "aristocracy" that was the plantation owner. Looked down upon because they were store owners that dealt with the day to day job of an ordinary worker. A family named Hubbard.
At rise, we discover the two brothers, Oscar and Benjamin, and their sister Regina are in the process of negotiating a business deal with a man from Chicago to build a cotton gin in their home town. A business deal which has the promise of millions being earned by the three partners. And it is in this setting that we learn about the greed and cut-throat attitudes of this family.
Sitting in the almost empty theatre (less than 50 people on the 2nd night of the run) I thought to myself, "Where the heck is the theatre public who would truly enjoy this production?" Ah, but then I recalled the "wisdom" of the local rag, er... newspaper, who decided many years ago that they wouldn't support the local community theatres with reviews, etc. So the theatre-going people in Hampton Roads have no idea how good this show is, or maybe even that it's playing. Superlatives to describe this production are many but, to those who know me best, they are un-needed. Why? Because I'm one of those directors/actors/reviewers that is very hard to please when watching live theatre. If I'm telling you that I like it and it's a good show then trust me, IT'S A GOOD SHOW! YOU NEED TO GO AND SEE IT! Kudos to the set designer (whoever that is, didn't see a program listing) and especially the director, RICKY D'ALONZO. He has a fine feel for this style of play, and it's a joy to see his attention to detail with his cast and the action onstage. If you let this one get by without seeing it you don't deserve to be called a patron of the arts. The Little Foxes trods the boards at the Little Theatre of Norfolk, 801 Claremont Avenue, Norfolk, through November 19, and reservations can be made by calling 627-8551. |
Mr. Haynie and Ms Klaers are worth the price of admission by themselves, but the real treat for us is that there are not any weak performances. 