Play's length worth time

By Wes Wood, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, September 16, 1998

"Ah, Wilderness!" the comedic play written by Eugene O'Neill ("Long Day's Journey Into Night") about an American family in the 1920s is a well-rounded and highly enjoyable production. From quality acting to set design, the play is a professional work of art.

Although the story is limited in racial demographics, it is still entertaining. The four-time Pulitzer Prize winning O'Neill - with his only comedic play - has done a good job.

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PLAY REVIEW

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Richard, a sensuous poetry-reading man, tries to win the love of a disapproving father's daughter, Murial McComber, while the family helps him through his - and their own - struggles. The conflict is laced with sarcasm and wit.

Nearly all of the characters are intriguing, from the stern, yet open-minded newspaper-owning father, Nat Miller, to the fun and drink-loving uncle, Sid Davis.

Despite the three-hour length and a feeling of predictability to the play, the production comes off as polished.

With all the actors' excellent credentials (from Broadway productions to television shows and movies), expecting a great show did not seem far-fetched. And, for the most part, it was realized.

Backdrops were mechanically controlled, leading to easy changes during the fade outs.

Despite the play's three-hour length and price, it is undeniably worth one's attention.

"Ah, Wilderness!" runs until Oct. 11 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa.