Susan Granger’s review of “Apologia” (Off-Broadway: Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre)
While Webster’s dictionary defines an “apology” as acknowledgement of a fault, injury or insult, according to the Playbill, an “apologia” means “vindication, justification, explanation.”
Set in the spring of 2009 (which is when it was first produced), Alexi Kaye Campbell’s domestic drama takes place in the book-lined kitchen of Kristin Miller’s cottage in the England countryside, where she has been living for the past 40+ years as an American expat because she wanted “an ocean between my mother and myself.” (Oddly their relationship is never delved into later.)
Middle-aged Kristin (Stockard Channing) is a caustic feminist, left-wing political activist and renowned art historian. Family and friends have gathered to celebrate her birthday and the publication of her memoir.
They include her gay best-friend Hugh (John Tillinger), her estranged son Peter (Hugh Dancy), Peter’s born-again Christian/vegetarian fiancée Trudi (Talene Monahon) and Kristin’s son Simon’s roommate, glamorous TV actress Claire (Megalyn Echikunwoke). Dysfunctional Simon (also played by Hugh Dancy), who is supposedly working on a novel, has been delayed but eventually shows up.
For reasons not explained, Kristin’s late British husband assumed custody of both boys when they were very young, so it’s not surprising that they’re resentful.
“The thing I remember most about you is your absence,” Simon nastily notes.
“I woke up one morning and realized that pretty much everything we are and everything we do is a response against you,” adds Simon later.
So – at this festive gathering, filled with crackling confrontations – is there a chance for a reconciliation? A solid emotional payoff?
Not much.
“Apologia means a formal, written defense of one’s opinions or conduct,” narcissistic, uncompromising Kristin defensively explains to Trudi, “not to be confused with an apology.”
While director Daniel Aukin (“Skintight,” “Admissions”) has imported most of London’s West End cast and (director) John Tiillinger returns to the stage as an actor, the focus is clearly on sharp-tongued, yet acutely vulnerable Stockard Channing, whose provocateur performance is riveting.
Kudos to Dane Lafferty’s set, lit by Bradley King, and Anita Yavich’s costumes.
“Apologia” is scheduled to run at Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center, 111 W. 46th Street, thru December 16.