Moss Hart’s LIGHT UP THE SKY is a comedy-drama that is all about the theater.
The first act is set prior to a show’s opening night, and the second act takes place immediately after. The characters are all people associated with the show in some way, and anyone who has ever worked on a show is likely to recognize at least a few of them: an overly-theatrical leading performer and an eccentric director being only two of many who make an appearance here.
In fact, Hart has crammed the show with distinct personalities, which provide the basis for most of the comedy and conflict in LIGHT UP THE SKY.
Molly McLaughlin plays Irene Livingston, the melodramatic star, and Dave Rash is Carleton Fitzgerald, the superstitious director who is overcome with emotion about every five seconds.
There is also a first-time producer determined to make a profit (David Bailey, as Sidney Black), the mother of the star (Jan Golz, as Stella Livingston), and a starstruck out-of-towner (Renaud Haymon); plus a motley assortment of others who crowd in and out of the Livingston’s hotel suite on the night in question.
While all performers are not on the same level, and some segments of the show lack pacing of any sort, there are several very nice performances and a handful of bright spots that make this production of LIGHT UP THE SKY enjoyable just the same.
McLaughlin is on-target with her overdone Irene, sometimes employing lightning-quick changes in "emotion" that are completely (and appropriately) laughable. Her bit about costuming changes for Irene is a total hoot, and the way she sweeps around her suite is perfectly imperious. Rash is more low-key as Fitzgerald (and not the least bit swishy, though the printed synopsis says his character is), but his line readings of "I think I’m going to cry" just get funnier every time he delivers this repeated lament.
Bailey combines a folksy manner with a major swish in the role of Sidney, and what he lacks in authoritative presence he makes up for in nervous energy, which still seems to work. Haymon is wonderfully invigorating, bringing an enthusiastic presence into the dour post-show gathering. Another lively performer is Susan Philhower, who plays Sidney’s wife Frances. Her Frances is a highly entertaining character – a former champion skater who married into big bucks but never lost her country mannerisms – and Philhower gives the role an irrepressible energy that is endlessly appealing.
Best of all in this show is Golz, whose performance as Stella is a laugh-aloud treat. Golz shines in this over-the-top comedic role, spitting out one-liners and slamming her fists onto her hips with amazing – and hilarious – regularity. From her tale of sneaking into a closed dress rehearsal and her way with gin rummy to her frequent spats with her son-in-law (Golz’ real-life husband, Greg Golz), Stella is, in Golz’ capable hands, the character to watch.
Yes, there are slow sections in this LIGHT UP THE SKY, which probably add ten or 15 minutes to the show’s running time, but director Eugenia Giebel (who had to fill in a small role for an actor who was ill opening weekend) still has plenty to brag about.
Overall, this is a show that entertains, and theater folks will especially be amused by some of the characters and situations here. There were no Roman candles going off while I was there, but I still enjoyed seeing this play.
