From
Broadwayworld.com - 08/24/07
Metcalf, Bakula Lead Geffen's 'Quality of Life'
By James Sims
Scott Bakula, Dennis Boutsikaris and JoBeth Williams will join
Laurie Metcalf in the upcoming Geffen Playhouse commission, Jane Anderson's The
Quality of Life.
The Geffen Playhouse has announced the
cast lineup for their first produced play in the theater's new commission
program, The Quality of Life, which will star
Laurie
Metcalf,
Scott Bakula,
Dennis
Boutsikaris and
JoBeth
Williams and begins previews October 2, 2007 and opens October 10. The
production is written and directed by Emmy Award-winning writer Jane Anderson
and is described as a four-character drama revolving around two couples
exploring morality, religion, politics and what determines the value of a life.
The first production to appear in the playhouse’s intimate Audrey Kenis Skirball
theater this season, The Quality of Life was written for a space in
which the audience would feel immersed in the action on stage. Without a
traditional proscenium, the Audrey enables the audience to be enveloped into the
play’s literally burnt-out world, which is set in the aftermath of an
all-consuming residential wildfire. Anderson, who is also directing the
production, plans to use the space to reinforce not only the inter-character
relationships, but also the relationship between characters and the audience,
both of which are integral to this work.
"There's a terrible rift in this country between the far right and the far
left,” said writer/director Anderson. “One of the things I hope to achieve with
The Quality of Life is to help the audience recognize that in the face
of this dichotomy of ideals, there's the possibility of finding a common human
connection."
Representing the “far left” in this production
is Metcalf in the role of Jeannette, coupled with Boutsikaris as Jeannette’s
husband Neil. Having previously appeared at the Geffen Playhouse in Anderson’s
production of Looking for Normal, Metcalf was the actress Anderson had in mind
while developing this character.
"I consider Laurie to be one of the great actresses of the American stage,” said
Anderson. “She’s a brilliant chameleon and she works from a place of profound
emotional depth. But she also has a wicked sense of humor."
Metcalf and Boutsikaris are complemented by Bakula and Williams who represent
the “far right,” as Jeannette’s mid-western cousins, Bill and Dinah. With each
character distinct – and vocal – in his or her ideals, Anderson’s production is
a world premiere that urges the audience to question their own world. The
Quality of Life opens on October 10 – appropriately, right in the middle of
Los Angeles’ fire season, and runs until November 18, 2007.
Tickets ($69 for all performances except Friday and Saturday evenings, which are
$74) are on sale now at the Geffen Playhouse box office, online at
GeffenPlayhouse.com and via credit card phone order at 310-208-5454. The Geffen
Playhouse is located at 10886 Le Conte Avenue in Westwood.
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