Barrymore
by William Luce
Directed by Erin Kelley
St. Louis Actors’ Studio
December 3, 2023
John Contini
Photo by Patrick Huber
St. Louis Actors’ Studio
John Contini has starred in Barrymore before, garnering great reviews and winning a Kevin Kline Award in 2010. I didn’t get to see that production, but now St. Louis Actors’ Studio is staging the show, allowing me and other St. Louis theatergoers to see this intense, remarkable performance. With vibrant staging and striking production values, this production showcases Contini’s portrayal of one of theatre’s more celebrated actors in a vividly realized, highly emotional production.
John Barrymore was one of the better-known actors on stage and screen in the first part of the 20th Century. Coming from a famous acting family that is perhaps best known today because of John’s granddaughter Drew Barrymore. In their day, however, John–called “Jack” by those who knew him–his brother Lionel, and sister Ethel were considered something of a “royal family” of acting–following in the tradition of their parents. This show features Jack toward the end of his life, in 1942, as he rehearses scenes from Richard III with the help of an unseen but much-heard line prompter, Frank (Alexander Huber). As Frank tries to keep him on track, Barrymore frequently digresses into stories of his childhood, his difficult relationship with his father, his four marriages, his alcoholism, his relationships with his siblings, his attitudes toward acting in film and theatre, and more. Although there is much wit and humor here, the overall impression I get from this story is a sad one, of a talented man at the end of his life, full of regrets and struggling to hold on to his reputation as one of the prominent Shakespearean actors of his day.Â
It’s a very deep, multi-faceted performance that portrays Barrymore’s humanity with sharp veracity. Contini is a marvel in how he portrays the many aspects of Barrymore’s personality, as well as his still-apparent talent. It’s a riveting performance, from start to finish. Huber is also commendable in a sympathetic performance as the helpful but frequently exasperated Frank. Even though Huber never appears onstage, Frank’s presence is palpable and important, serving as an ideal sounding-board for Barrymore and something of an audience surrogate, as well.
The world of the play is brought to life vividly by means of Patrick Huber’s detailed set and excellent lighting design, as well Teresa Doggett’s remarkable costumes and Emma Glose’s props. It’s like the audience has been transported to a small theatre in 1942, with just the right look and mood. Director Erin Kelley’s staging is thoughtful and dynamic, as well.
Although the main “selling point” for this production is John Contini’s remarkable performance, all the other elements are also first-rate. This is a remarkably vivid recreation of another time and place, as well as an emotional reflection on the life of an actor. I highly recommend this production, especially for those with an interest in the history of the American theatre.
John Contini
Photo by Patrick Huber
St. Louis Actors’ Studio
St. Louis Actors’ Studio is presenting Barrymore at the Gaslight Theatre until December 10, 2023