Change of Scene(ry)

I just managed to squeeze in the fantastic Clybourne Park during its last week at the Guthrie. A provocative play in many ways looking at race in two acts - the first in 1959 and the second 50 years later in the present. So much has changed and yet nothing at all. A great challenge for a cast of actors to inhabit two entirely different roles with small hints that carry over from one to the next. 

But one of the scene stealers - pun intended - is the house where the action happens. It begins in the fabulous 50s of suburbian utopia. Although moving day, the house still has the apparent charm of many years wear and tear, like an old cedar chest or fine chestnut piece of furniture. And by Act 2 it is stripped bare of any warmth, gutted and ready for the wrecking ball. This fascinating feature called Behind the Walls lets the audience in on the amazing transformation by the crew during the short 15 minute intermission. Magic!