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A CurtainUp Los Angeles Review
Last Tango With Marlon
| I certainly didn't get into show business to become obscure.— Wally Cox
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Though not obscure, Wally Cox is certainly less well remembered than his childhood friend and perennial buddy, Marlon Brando. In Fletcher Rhoden's new play, set in Brando's study in 1974, Cox returns from the grave to visit his aging friend who, with a gun on his desk, may be contemplating suicide.
The two recall professional ups and downs, neglected children and abusive parents. Rhoden makes the case that childhood traumas are responsible for everything else. The first act climaxes with Brando asking Cox if he committed suicide.
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The dialogue is leavened with duets, fake football games and the kind of horseplay they indulged in as kids. They deny tabloid rumors of homosexuality.
Frank Cavestani has the difficult task of representing the well-known Brando. Though he has the look, the bloated handsomeness and the mannerisms, he's still growing into the part. We're looking for the gravitas and mischievousness that Brando retained even into his final interview on the Larry King show.
The play is brightened by the deliciously funny Raf Mauro as Cox, who, with exquisite comic timing, makes us understand why Brando hated to see him go
Performed on a nearly bare stage, this ghost play's eeriest moment comes at the end when Brando is alone, a knock comes at the door and a voice says, "Dad, it's Christian." The actor's son Christian Brando died last week and it's too bad he couldn't get to see his father's pain expressed here one last time.
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LAST TANGO WITH MARLON Playwright/Director: Fletcher Rhoden Cast: Frank Cavestani (Marlon Brando), Raf Mauro (Wally Cox) No set/costume/sound/lighting designers credited Running Time: 90 minutes, one intermission Running Dates: February 1-16. 2008 Mt. Hollywood Theater, Mt. Hollywood Church, 4607 Prospect Avenue, Los Angeles, (323) 667-9113 (business hours only) Reviewed by Laura Hitchcock on February 1. |
Easy-on-the budget super gift for yourself and your musical loving friends. Tons of gorgeous pictures.
Leonard Maltin's 2007 Movie Guide
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