ROBIN’S SHOW REVIEW: BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S
This stage adaption of Truman Capote’s classic novella stars Emilia Clarke (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) in the iconic role of ‘Holly Golightly,’ Cory Michael Smith as ‘Fred,’ and George Wendt as ‘Joe Bell.’ It is directed by Sean Mathias and written by Richard Greenberg.
Based on Truman Capote’s most beloved masterwork, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is set in New York City in 1943. ‘Fred’, a young writer from Louisiana, meets ‘Holly Golightly’ (Clarke), a charming, vivacious and utterly elusive good-time girl. Everyone falls in love with Holly – including Fred (Smith). But Fred is poor, and Holly’s other suitors include a playboy millionaire and the future president of Brazil. As war rages on in Europe, Holly begins to fall in love with Fred – just as her past catches up with her.
While Clarke looks fetching in ballgowns and has a overall appeal, her accent often feels affected and grows wearisome, and that combined with the lack of action and excessive narration, make this show a disappointment. Sure Golightly is a party gal, but there is aspiration and pain beneath the surface, and we feel little of that from Clarke. When she picks up a guitar to sing, it’s long and drawn out, which is the essence of the energy, or lack there of, in this production. We are not captivated by this Golightly. Clarke has a token, nude bath scene in Act 2, and even that’s not enough to give this stage adaptation any real sizzle.
Smith and Bell deliver more convincing portrayals, as do the rest of the supporting players in general. Would have liked more of the likeable George Wendt, in the role of Bell the bartender.
The cast of Breakfast at Tiffany’s also includes Suzanne Bertish, Danny Binstock, Pedro Carmo, Elisabeth Anthony Gray, Murphy Guyer, Eddie Korbich, Paolo Montalban, Kate Cullen Roberts, John Rothman, Tony Torn, Lee Wilkof and James Yaegashi.
The creative team for Breakfast at Tiffany’s includes Tony® Award-winner Derek McLane (Scenic Design), three-time Academy Award-winner and current nominee Colleen Atwood (Costume Design), Tony® Award-winner Peter Kaczorowski (Lighting Design), Wendall K. Harrington (Projection Design) and Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (Original Music and Sound Design).
Tickets for Breakfast at Tiffany’s are available for purchase in person at the Cort Theatre box office (Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.), online at www.telecharge.com, or by calling Telecharge at 800-432-7250 or 212-239-6200.
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Tags: breakfast at tiffanys, broadway show, cort theatre, emilia clarke, george wendt, truman capote
