Review: Chatham Drama Guild's 'Born Yesterday' is powerful dramedy with a few tough scenes
The Chatham Drama Guild cast brings you along on a whirlwind of emotions in this dramatic comedy.
“A world full of ignorant people is dangerous" is an essential line in the production. Harry Brock is as ignorant as they come, yet at his bark a senator sits in his seat like a well-behaved child. That’s because he’s been paid off $80,000 by the witless junkman who wants more for himself. “Born Yesterday” takes a funny spin on Washington politics while also incorporating the vital need for education for our democracy and ourselves.
The show: “Born Yesterday” was written by Garson Kanin, directed by Anna Marie Johansen, and presented by The Chatham Drama Guild.
What it’s about: Harry Brock is a man of little brain, but he does have a lot of money because of his lucrative junk business. The real brains of his schemes come from Jack Devery ― the once assistant attorney general of the United States. To aid their scandal they head to the finest hotel in Washington D.C. to bribe the crooked Senator Hedges to have legislation passed that would increase Brock's earnings. His biggest mistake was bringing his longtime girlfriend and ex-chorus girl, Billie Dawn. Embarrassed by her all-beauty and no-brains persona, he hires journalist Paul to educate her and make her presentable. Sparks quickly fly between Billie and Paul. As she used to freely sign away documents at Brock’s demand, she has now taken a stand and figured out she’s much more implicated and essential to his business than the silent partner she once thought she was.
Highlights of the show: Peter Eldridge as Harry Brock delivered a compelling wise-guy persona. This loose cannon has quite a temper and isn’t pleasant. He allows for just the right balance for you to still laugh until he’s so cruel you are rooting for Billie and Paul’s new relationship.
Rachel Walman as Billie Dawn was vivacious in her role and completely immersed herself in her character. Down to her tone of voice, which did not seem forced, but just right. She’s a character you grow to love more as the show goes on.
See it or not: Definitely. The storyline is great, and the cast performance was even better. The set was realistic of the movie and elegant, down to the lining of the walls. Walman's costumes also resemble exactly what Judy Holliday wore in the 1950 movie.
Worth noting: This show contains a scene of violence against women. Leave the kids at home for this one.
Fun fact: “Born Yesterday” first hit Broadway in 1946. The play was so successful that it was adapted into a movie under the same name four years later.
One more thing: The bar will be open 30 minutes prior to the start of the show and during the intermission.
If you go: Chatham Drama Guild, 134 Crowell Road, Chatham. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays until Oct. 8. Tickets are $25 for Cabaret Seating and $22 for Stadium Seating. You can purchase tickets at www.onthestage.tickets or call the box office at 508-945-0510
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: See what our reviewers think of this week's shows on Cape Cod
