A young man dreams of a career as a painter but falls in love. Instead of pursuing his passion, he marries and becomes a businessman for a company that makes soap. In his forties and looking back, he realizes as an individual he was an “I.” As a married man, however, it’s always “You and I.” What makes for a happy life? A fulfilling one? What are the compromises and benefits associated with signing on to “you and I”?
This play’s plot also revolves around their son who dreams of a career as an architect. Like his father, he has fallen in love at a young age. Go to Europe and study or get married? The set up occurs early in this diverting, uncomplicated story. Philip Barry wrote this play while he was engaged and trying to establish himself as a playwright before settling down. The axiom “write what you know” certainly applies here.
A critical and commercial success, You and I was Mr. Barry’s first play to be produced on Broadway in 1923. His later and more famous works include Holiday and The Philadelphia Story (written specifically for Katherine Hepburn) which were turned into Hollywood films. You and I was also adapted into a now lost 1931 movie called “The Bargain.”
Metropolitan Playhouse explores America’s theatrical heritage to illustrate contemporary American culture. Do you follow a path to your passions which may be less lucrative than getting a safer job in business? That is certainly a question being addressed by young people today. You and I explores that theme with the added fun of listening to language, mannerisms and societal hierarchies now a century old.
In a small off-off Broadway house, this company has mounted a fine, well-directed (Michael Hardart) version of this play. The cast is quite accomplished in portraying roles from this very old play without any smell of mothballs. Finely etched characterizations were created by Elisabeth Preston (as the mother) and Aidan Eastwood (as her son). In particular, her chemistry with her husband (an excellent Timothy C. Goodwin) was believable and had a cool, nicely understated Nick and Nora vibe.
Caitlyn Barrett’s set design is simple and highly effective in establishing place. The scene changes are performed by the actors in this very intimate space. The overall result is an evening spent eavesdropping in a family’s home as they ponder the mini-dramas of the day. I enjoyed this production of You and I immensely. Glad to see this rarely revived play on stage and highly recommend a trip to the Metropolitan Playhouse in the East Village. And while you are there, check out my favorite Cuban restaurant in New York City, Café Cortadito, just two blocks away!
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