Review: Majestic Theater, “A Moon for the Misbegotten”

Majestic Theater, West Springfield, MA

www.majestictheater.com

through December 1, 2024

by Jarice Hanson

 

Photo by Kate Rankin

The current production of “A Moon for the Misbegotten” at Majestic Theater gives audiences an opportunity to see and hear some of Eugene O’Neill’s most personal work. For those who know the author’s name but not the plays, this production demonstrates why O’Neill became known as the “father of American theater.” O’Neill introduced a style of realism to American theater that was popular elsewhere in the world—and in doing so, he changed the direction of American theater in the 1920's through the 1940's. It is not surprising that of the 25 plays he wrote, four of them won Pulitzer Prizes for Drama—an accomplishment unequaled in theater history.

 

Director James Warwick and Producing Director Danny Eaton have condensed the original four act drama to two acts, to be more friendly for contemporary audiences, and though the dialog in Act I is circuitous, much relies on the exposition of Phil Hogan, the patriarch of the Hogan family, charmingly portrayed by John Thomas Waite, and his effervescent daughter, Josie, played by Sue Dziura.   

 

In Act II, the plot explodes with Josie and her love interest, Jim, played by Jay Sefton, who seems to mine the many layers of his character. The chemistry between Dziura and Sefton is exhilarating and the two communicate beautifully on stage. They show the audience the genius behind O’Neill’s multi-layered characters, and his raw dialog, defining heartbreak and lust. 

 

Caleb Chew and Tom Dahl round out the cast in smaller, but still powerful roles that help patrons understand Hogan family dynamics and the peril of the tenant farmer when the landlord decides to sell the land. All of these characters define the Depression as well as showing how alcoholism and depression were endemic to that period in history. 

 

Greg Trochil’s set is a masterpiece of a run-down post-Depression farm in Connecticut; and James McNamara’s subtle, but effective lighting design transforms the Majestic’s stage into a monochromatic, moonlit backdrop for the larger-than-life colorful characters. Director Warwick has his cast working at a fast pace, but every word is crystal clear, and the character choices bold and satisfying.

 

This show is a classic in many ways. It may not be considered O’Neill’s greatest work, but in drawing the characters and situations from his own life, the audiences learns much about his approach to life and to theater at a time when he himself, was increasingly unable to write anymore.

 

As a reference point to American theater in the 1920's -1940's, those in their seats see how one author defined a generation of drama and cultural themes. This production offers much to think about, and for all of these reasons, don’t miss it!