Hellman V. McCarthy Plus Cavett Creates Catnip for Theatergoers

In a large city like Los Angeles, small treasures can get lost amid the glitter and glamour of Hollywood hype. That is why it is so rewarding when one is lucky enough to uncover a theatrical gem.

Theater Forty soon to be celebrating its 50th anniversary at Beverly Hills High School’s Reuben Cordova Theatre is one such gem. Led by artistic director David Hunt Stafford, Theater Forty has long been a favorite among dedicated Los Angeles theater aficionados.

At a recent performance of Hellman V. McCarthy starring Dick Cavett now playing until February 28th, the women next to me confided they didn’t know the theater existed and were pleasantly surprised by the discovery. Their delight at finding the venue, I imagine, was directly related to their sheer enjoyment of the production. Brian Richard Mori’s play is a fictional and factual combination of a real life incident that began with an appearance on Dick Cavett’s PBS Show.

Literary giant, Mary McCarthy’s characterization of Lillian Hellman as dishonest, sparked a lawsuit with Hellman suing McCarthy, Cavett, and producing station WNET-TV.

Mori’s real/fictional play depicts the two women face to face on Cavett’s TV show, yet this actually never happened as far as anyone knew. They did appear many times on Cavett’s show separately, but Hellman died before a joint appearance or the lawsuit was completed. This fictional confrontation is Mori’s “what if” that adds additional drama and fun to the play.

The show was directed adeptly by legendary writer/director Howard Storm, known for such iconic shows at Mork and Mindy and Everybody Loves Raymond. Storm did an excellent job of guiding the actors into exactly the right amount of passion and realism in their performances.

Cavett, still an engaging intellectual figure added authenticity and humor to the play.

Although watching two literary lionesses go at one another’s throats often felt like Tyson and Holyfield sans the ear biting, Cavett’s presence lightened the mood and artfully drew the audience into each moment. The performances were stellar on every level. Hellman and McCarthy are no small feat to replicate and both actresses did so with aplomb and passion.

Marcia Rodd recreated McCarthy from the original off-Broadway production and showed just the right amount of determination combined with exhaustion at dealing with lawyers, fees and Hellman’s wrath.

Flora Plumb’s Hellman was the perfect blend of hateful, bitter vindictiveness with just a touch of humanity to even feel a pinch of pity at moments. Hellman was such a controversial and bigger-than- life figure, to reign in the anger of this woman was no small accomplishment and Plumb deserves kudos for her acting prowess.

M. Rowan Meyer, also from the original off-Broadway production, is Ryan, Hellman’s long suffering yet adoring caretaker. Their relationship is quite believable and has just the right amount of angst and sympathy.

Martin Thompson and John Combs as the battling attorneys add a bit of humor to the proceedings.

There is something wonderful about watching a literary figure inspired play in a small theater. Theater Forty has the cache of the most prestigious off-Broadway offerings.

The ninety-nine-seat venue added greatly to the feeling of intimacy that makes the play work so well on yet another level.

At the end of the show as Cavett steps onto the stage and takes audience questions it is easy to see why he has remained such a respected presence in broadcasting and on the American media scene. His quick wit has not diminished and he is still as charming and likeable as ever.

Along with the fine acting and interesting drama, seeing Cavett in front of audience again is well worth the experience.

His new book Brief Encounters is a delightful read featuring such icons as Groucho Marx, Mel Brooks and other legends Cavett was so adept at interviewing.

Performances are at Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, on the campus of Beverly Hills High School. There is ample free parking beneath the theatre a real perk for LA theatergoers.

The remaining performances are February 21 and 28 at 8 p.m. A Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on 21 and

Sunday, February 22 at 2 p.m., Wednesdays, February 25 at 8 p.m. and Thursdays February 19 and 26 at 8 p.m.

All seats are $34.75 and reservations can be made at (310) 364-3606 or online at www.theatre40.org

There will also be a subsequent performance on Sunday, March 1st at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Tickets for that one performance will be available through Ticketmaster.

After enjoying Hellman V. McCarthy you will definitely want to see The Manor presented by Theater Forty at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. The play is a recreation of true events that occurred at the home when the Doheny family was in residence and takes place in different rooms throughout. The crime mystery was fictionalized by Katherine Bates and depicts a murder suicide that to this day is surrounded by intrigue and unending questions. Greystone is a magnificent and historic home and the fun of watching a play as you travel about this wonderful venue is a unique and definite do-not-miss experience.

I have seen numerous performances and enjoy it as much every time. It’s a must see Los Angeles theater event and one you will want to take friends back to see as well.

For information and tickets call for reservations at: (310) 364-3606.