Review: “The Subject Was Roses” Delivers Pure, Explosive Drama

Thunderous applause rang throughout the Bay Street Theater for the opening Saturday night performance of “The Subject Was Roses,” a play by Frank D. Gilroy. There was a lot of pre-show hype and publicity, leading to huge anticipation and excitement for this show. What the audience received on opening night was pure, amazing, explosive drama! This successful show, Directed brilliantly by Scott Wittman and running at Bay Street until June 16th, stars John Slattery, Talia Balsam, and Harry Slattery.

The audience’s energy was at such a high level that the moment John Slattery walked onto the stage, he received a genuine welcoming applause. He paused and then started to deliver what can only be described as a performance that showed why he is a successful star in show business. Mr. Slattery, playing the fiery Irish John Cleary, a father and coffee businessman right after World War 2 (1946), had the audience in the palms of his hands, perhaps from the opening applause. His talent was on full throttle, and it lit up the stage. His coyness, his fury, and his tenderness as the complicated and imperfect John Cleary is the foundation of playwright Frank D. Gilroy’s vision that led to this play winning the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Playback in the 1960s. There is another fascinating dynamic that makes this play a total phenomenon. That being, the Slattery family, John, wife Talia Balsam and their son Harry Slattery play the Cleary family. This may be the first and only time this has been attempted.

Talia Balsam also received a very warm, enthusiastic applause on her entrance. She is also a renowned star performer, and she, too, in the course of this two-act production of “The Subject Was Roses,” demonstrated the huge range of her talent. One couldn’t help but notice how her portrayal of Nettie Cleary profoundly touched all the women in the audience. Certain powerful, poignant lines produced a quiet, pure, attentive atmosphere in the theater that only the best talent and skills can create. Ms. Balsam, through the role of Nettie Cleary, brought to the forefront matters that are now front and center in our society. She delicately and powerfully exposed the vulnerabilities and strengths both women and mothers have. Just a totally great performance.

Finally, we come to the performance of Harry Slattery as the just returned World War 2 veteran Timmy Cleary. The anticipation of how well Harry would do was answered when the tall, handsome, toned actor entered the stage and instantly had the magic that makes an actor a star. He was a natural for the part and Harry Slattery lifted the role of Timmy Cleary from the stage into the hearts of the audience. Many of his lines produced laughter from the younger members of the crowd, who instantly identified with both his plight and point of view on the matters of being a child around parents in a complicated marriage. Believe me, when I say we will see Harry’s talent in the future, he just has the “it” factor.

Director Scott Wittman did a wonderful job directing. He brought out the talents of his cast and moved them about the stage like a grand chess master because this play is very much like the chess match being a family can be.

This great show is a team effort. It starts at the top with Bay Street Theater Executive Director Tracy Mitchell and Artistic Director Scott Schwartz. Then there is Bay Street Theater Deputy Director Chris Siefert and Associate Producer John Sullivan. Working successfully on this production of “The Subject Was Roses” are Scenic Director Derek M’Clane, Laura Bauer-Costume Designer, Cha See-Lighting Designer, Hidenori Nakajo-Sound Designer, Audrey McGuane-Props Designer, Michelle Bosch-Production Stage Manager, Thomas Schall- Fight Consultant, Angie Schworer-Dance Consultant with the Music for the show brilliantly adopted by Marc Shaiman. A personal shoutout to my admiration for the tech genius of Mike Billings.

 “The Subject Was Roses,”  will be running through June 16^th. There will be a “talk back” on June 11^th. For more info, visit Baystreet.org