Another Part of the Forest

If you are a fan of Lillian Hellman’s works, you must watch the rarely seen “prequel” The Little Foxes titled “Another Part of the Forest.” Hellman is well known for her brilliant career as a celebrated playwright and she has provided vivid and evocative entertainment to one and all.

Another Part of the Forest was written in 1946 and it was an attempt to offer her audiences a “veiled look at the machinations of a crumbling southern aristocracy and the fallout it wrought to a nation divided.” This play is set in the Deep South of 1880, fifteen years after the end of the Civil War. It narrates the story of the notorious, ruthless, immoral, and wealthy Hubbard family and their steady rise to fame and prominence on the basis of war profiteering.

Marcus Hubbard, the family patriarch, is shown to be a symbol of the cruel side to the industrial revolution. The story also covers other angles such as the African-American stand against racism, the destitute in class struggle, Hubbard’s loveless marriage, his incestuous relationship with his daughter, Regina, and the emasculation of his sons.

Actor Sherman Howard has portrayed Hubbard’s character in fine form. He has done work on television but his career on stage is far more impressive. In fact, everybody in the play seems to suit their roles perfectly. And, directing this brilliant star cast is Dan Wackerman who is known for his fluid direction style.

For those who know and love The Little Foxes, Another Part of the Forest will be a visual treat.  This play by Lillian Hellman is hardly ever revived, and you really should make the effort to get yourself the tickets of this production. It may not count among Hellman’s best work, but her art of telling a story is nearly impeccable and she knows what is needed to keep the audience interested.

If, on the other hand, you haven’t seen or heard of The Little Foxes, you will be interested in it after watching Another Part of the Forest. So much so that you might just catch the revival of The Little Foxes playing September 10 to October 17 at the New  York Theatre Workshop.

The Place: The Theater at St. Clement’s

Address: 423 W 46th St (between Ninth and Tenth Aves) Midtown West

Director: Dan Wackerman

June 3 – July 3, 2010

Cast: Oliver Buckingham, Ben Curtis, Perri Gaffney, Sherman Howard, Christopher Kelly, Christopher Lucas, Matthew Floyd Miller, Ryah Nixon, Elizabeth Norments, Kendall Rileigh, Stephanie Wright Thompson, Anthony Willis Jr

Running Time: 2 hr. 15 min. (includes 1 intermission)

Timings:

Friday 8:00pm

Saturday 8:00pm

Sunday 3:00am

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