A House Not Meant to Stand: A Theatrical Review

Two families with two contrasting bloodlines come together in the marriage and family of Cornelius McCorkle and Bella Dancies McCorkle, causing a rift and question about which is the better bloodline to come from. In a production about the complications of family, relationships, emotional strength, and selfish ambition, A House Not Meant to Stand by famed playwright Tennessee Williams, now playing at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles, is a fabulous look at the lives of a family in the midst of turmoil.

The Fountain Theatre has a marvelous reputation of providing high quality theatrical programming for the community it serves, and though it is a small theatre, it is more than capable of delivering excellence in theatrical productions. Its current run of A House Not Meant to Stand, brilliantly produced and directed by Simon Levy (with assistant producers Deborah Lawlor and Stephen Sachs) is a splendid example of this kind of excellence.

Sandy Martin, playing the leading role of Bella Dancie McCorkle is truly phenomenal. She is countered by an entire cast that exceeds expectations; including Alan Blumenfeld portraying her ambitious and cantankerous husband Cornelius McCorkle is outstanding. Their son Charlie McCorkle, portrayed by Daniel Billet is a brilliant young actor with an obvious future on the stage, and the entire cast of supporting actors (Lisa Richards portraying Jessie Sykes; Robert Craighead portraying Emerson Sykes; Virginia Newcomb portraying Stacey; Chip Bent portraying Officer "Pee Wee" Jackson; and Kevin High portraying Dr. Crane) are all more than capable professionals who round out a cast that is more than superior.

This Southern Gothic Comedy will keep you engaged, wondering what comes next, and challenges you to place yourself in these characters place as you grow to understand and identify with each of them. An engaging and powerful production that should not be missed, A House Not Meant to Stand is a strong example of the kind of theatrical productions that Tennessee Williams is so well known for.

The production runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM through April 17^th. Prices are more than reasonable for the productions quality, and the theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Ave. in Los Angeles, CA 90029. This is one not to be missed my friends, so book your reservation today by contacting the theatre directly at 323-663-1525, or logging onto their web page at www.FountainTheatre.com.

Enjoy!

Randall Gray

California State Featured Theatre Critic Associated Content by Yahoo