In 1950, when William Inge rocked New York audiences with his first major success, Come Back, Little Sheba, critics thought hed join the ranks of Americas great playwrights. Inge never got as famous as Tennessee Williams or Arthur Miller, but that doesnt mean Come Back, Little Sheba, a grand, tender tale of American fragility, desire and heartbreaking regret, isnt on the same level.
The work, enjoying a revival by Country Playhouse, centers on Lola, a middle-aged woman, and her alcoholic husband. The pair take in a beautiful young boarder whos filled with all the urges and desires that come with youth. Lola spends her days chattering away in an attempt to forget all shes lost as shes grown old, while her husband looks longingly at their young boarder, a sensual representation of his lost vitality. The three inevitably collide. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. May 1, 7:30 p.m. May 5. Through May 7. 12802 Queensbury. For information, call 713-467-4497 or visit www.countryplayhouse.org. $12 to $20.
Fridays-Sundays; Thu., May 5. Starts: April 22. Continues through May 7, 2011
This article appears in Apr 28 – May 4, 2011.