(Ben Brantley’s article appeared in The New York Times, 11/7.)
Mourning becomes Beth Henley. The humor in “The Jacksonian,” her delectably lurid new play on Theater Row, is as black as widow’s weeds. But with the aid of a crackerjack cast, directed by Robert Falls, this twisty study in murder, Mississippi-style, finds bright fireworks within shades of noir.
About that cast, which numbers a precise five: It is made up of four top-tier veterans (Ed Harris, Glenne Headly, Amy Madigan and Bill Pullman) and one young newcomer (Juliet Brett), who bring unblinking conviction to parts that ask them to go out on limbs and hang there