‘Morning’s At Seven’ a classic gem with a stellar cast

‘MORNING’S AT SEVEN’: Patty McCormack & Lindsay Crouse. Photo: Maria Baranova.

MORNING’S AT SEVEN
Written by Paul Osborn
Directed by Dan Wackerman
Through December 5, 2021
Theatre at St. Clement’s
423 West 46th Street
www.MorningsAt7.com

By David NouNou

What makes Morning’s At Seven so special is that it is one of those rare commodities: A play that has a beginning, middle and end. It is an interesting story about family life, no gimmicks, just enough quirkiness to make it believable and enjoyable, with a formidable cast whose main goal is to be their characters and entertain the audience.

The show is set in 1922 in the backyards of two adjoining houses, one belonging to Cora (Lindsay Crouse) and Thor (Dan Lauria) and the other to Ida (Alma Cuervo) and Carl (John Rubinstein). Cora and Ida are two of four sisters; the third, unmarried Arry (Alley Mills) lives with Ida and Thor. The fourth sister, Esther (Patty McCormack), married to David (Tony Roberts), lives separately from the rest, because David believes the rest of the family are “morons” and won’t allow Esther to associate with or visit them in fear that their “moronic” nature might rub off on her. Esther visits her sisters behind David’s back in fear he’ll banish her to the second floor of their home while he lives on the first.

Today, Esther does come to visit the family because Cora and Carl’s son, Homer (Jonathan Spivey), is bringing his fiancée of seven years, Myrtle (Keri Safran) to meet the entire family. This meeting unfolds family secrets, intrigues, quirkiness, and fun.

There are three essential elements that brings the revival of this 1939 play to life. The first is the visual: The set by Harry Felner is flawless, the costumes by Barbara A. Bell, and lighting by James E. Lawlor III all draw us right into the day and time so that one never feels like an audience watching a play, but neighbors sitting across the street watching everyday life. Second is the tight direction by Dan Wackerman; the proceedings glide along as everyday events.

The third and most important element is the casting of this formidable ensemble. From the veteran cast members: Lindsay Crouse, Alma Cuervo, Dan Lauria, Alley Mills, Tony Roberts, John Rubenstein to newcomers Keri Safran and Jonathan Spivey, they all have their moments and shine equally bright. However, there is one member of the cast that stood out for me: Long absent from the New York stage, Patty McCormack. Audiences know Ms. McCormack for her Oscar-nominated role as the evil little girl Rhoda Penmark from the 1956 movie The Bad Seed, a role which she created on the New York stage in 1954 through 1955. Her return to the New York stage as Esther, the smart and wise sister, is a cause for celebration.

Mornings At Seven is the perfect antidote for these difficult times. It helps us forget our troubles and makes us care for our neighbors performing across from us.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published November 15, 2021
Reviewed at November 14, 2021 press preview performance.

‘MORNINGS AT SEVEN’: Patty McCormack. Photo: Maria Baranova.

‘MORNING’S AT SEVEN’: Dan Lauria & Alley Mills. Photo: Maria Baranova.

‘MORNING’S AT SEVEN’: Tony Roberts & John Rubinstein. Photo: Maria Baranova.

‘MORNING’S AT SEVEN’: Jonathan Spivey & Keri Safranin. Photo: Maria Baranova.

‘MORNING’S AT SEVEN’: The cast. Photo: Maria Baranova.

Video clip from Morning’s at Seven