Revisiting O'Neill drama proves 'irresistible' to Goodman's artistic director
Had anyone other than Brian Dennehy and Nathan Lane come to him with the idea of reviving "The Iceman Cometh," Robert Falls would have said no.
Then again, mused Goodman Theatre's longtime artistic director, it's unlikely any other actors would have proposed the production, which opens officially on Thursday.
"The fact that they did was completely irresistible," said Falls who last staged Eugene O'Neill's masterwork in 1990, a production that starred Dennehy in the role of salesman Theodore "Hickey" Hickman. "I jumped on it."
The 1990 version was the first major O'Neill play Falls directed. It marked the beginning of Falls' longtime association with Dennehy. Together, they have collaborated on seven O'Neill plays over the years, during which the actor and director have deepened their exploration into the art, life and themes of the playwright Falls calls the American Shakespeare.
This time, Dennehy was interested in playing Larry Slade. The philosopher-anarchist is among the boozers at a seedy New York gin mill eagerly awaiting the arrival of the garrulous Hickey. Dennehy told Falls that Lane was interested in playing Hickey.
"When Nathan came into the mix I said 'great, let's do it,'" Falls said.
Falls names "Iceman" and O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey Into Night" the "two greatest plays in the American repertoire." "Iceman" emerges as kind of a psychodrama the playwright plays out with his younger self, in the guise of Don Parritt, a troubled young man with a big secret.
Revisiting the work after two decades, Falls found much of the play had stayed with him.
"It was like putting on an old shoe I was familiar with and comfortable with," he said.
The revival has generated a lot of buzz. Much of it has to do with the all-star cast which includes Canadian standout Stephen Ouimette and top-tier local talent like Larry Neumann, Jr., Marc Grapey, John Judd, Patrick Andrews, John Reeger and John Hoogenakker. But it's a safe bet most eyes are on Lane, the Tony Award-winning actor best known for musicals like "The Producers" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." While the actor doesn't come immediately to mind when people think of O'Neill, Falls says Lane and Hickey are a perfect fit.
"He is singular in that he is the biggest male star on Broadway," said Falls. "I've always thought of him as a serious stage actor who's brilliant in musical theater and comedy."
Despite the star power, Falls insists there have been no discussions about transferring the production to Broadway - although he would consider it if the opportunity arises.
As for what the Chicago audience will take away from their 4½-hour investment, Falls declines to speculate.
"I would love it if they have the same passionate response to the play that I have," he said. "I simply hope the audience comes out transformed by the experience."
“The Iceman Cometh”
Location: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, (312) 443-3800 or goodmantheatre.org
Showtimes: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 1:30 p.m. Sunday through June 17. Also 1:30 p.m. May 10, 24 and June 7; 7 p.m. May 17 and 31
Tickets: $61-$133