A.R.Gurney's autobiographical The Grand Manner, based on a visit he made as a young man to the Green Room of mega-actress Katherine Cornell when she is playing Cleopatra in 1948, is a lovely evening of theater, especially for those of us who remember the many actual theatrical personalities referred to in the play. Kate Burton is Cornell, and I believe it is the best work I have seen her do. Director Mark Lamos has brought out a range of emotion in her that is exciting as she gives us an antic performance -- a mixture of a real person and an impression of a star as she is interviewed by Bobby Steggert as the young Gurney.
Boyd Gaines is strong as her gay husband, the Broadway producer Guthrie McClintic, and Brenda Wehle as Cornell's companion is a bit too much the stereotypical diesel, but certainly vivid. The play is very funny, and I responded to the familiarity of a star actress being interviewed.
Set by John Arnone and lighting by Russell H. Champa are appropriately done, and costume designer Ann Hould-Ward gives us fine period clothing, and gets a chance to shine with Cornell's delicious Cleopatra costume.
This is a light-mannered play, particularly enjoyable to theater buffs.
