Babbitt
A must-see production at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Babbitt was written in 1922 by Sinclair Lewis. It is a satirical novel about American culture, and society. It is interesting that it is relevant to today as it critiques the vacuity of the middle-class life, and the social pressures people face to conform. Lewis received the Nobel Prize in Literature for Babbitt. The novel has been turned into a film twice. Once as a silent film and then as a talkie in 1934.
What is interesting is the word Babbitt has become an adjective in the English language describing a "person and especially a business or professional man who conforms unthinkingly to prevailing middle-class standards.” There was a not-so-great review of the novel in the The Smart Set. They said "There is no plot whatever... Babbitt simply grows two years older as the tale unfolds." “Babbitt is a successful real estate broker who dotes on his daughter Tinka. He encourages his 17-year-old son Ted to try harder in school. Gradually, Babbitt realizes his dissatisfaction with the American Dream and tries different ways to quell these feelings. On the day Babbitt gets elected vice-president of the Booster's club, he finds out his good friend Paul shot his wife Zilla. Babbitt immediately drives to the jail where Paul is being held, trying to think of ways to help Paul out.
Shortly after Paul's arrest, Babbitt's wife goes to visit relatives, leaving Babbitt more or less on his own. Babbitt begins to ask himself what it is he really wants in life. In time, Babbitt begins to rebel against all of the standards he formerly held: he jumps into liberal politics, and has an extra-marital affair. He slowly becomes aware that his forays into nonconformity are not only futile but also destructive of the life and the friends he once loved. When Babbitt's wife falls ill Babbitt rushes home and relinquishes all rebellion. In the final scene, Babbitt discovers that his son Ted has secretly married Eunice, the daughter of his neighbor. He offers his approval of the marriage, stating that though he does not agree, he admires Ted for living his life on his own terms.”
Maybe the Smart Set was right. The plot may not be new or overly exciting, but this adaption of the book by Joe Dipietro is, and more than worth seeing. He has brought it up to date, and brought out all the humor as well. It is a play on society today. One can read into it the current Presidential campaign, banning of books, and women’s rights. Even a little hat’s off to the LGBTQ+ community. I found myself joining the rest of the audience and laughing out loud at some of the scenes, and then giving the cast a well-deserved rousing standing ovation.
The acting is uniformly brilliant, beginning with Matthew Broderick. He is a perfect Babbitt. He is smooth and funny, and shows off all his acting ability, and even his dancing ability. He is a joy to watch on stage. The other actors play a number of roles and are listed as 7 storytellers. Director Christopher Ashley has brought together a very diverse cast. He has actors who are Black, Asian, and an actor in a wheelchair. They all blend in wonderfully well with his great direction. They are in alphabetical order: Storyteller #5: Mara Davi; Storyteller #1: Ann Harada; Storyteller #2: Nehal Joshi; Storyteller #6: Judy Kaye; Storyteller #3: Matt McGrath; Storyteller #7: Chris Myers; and Storyteller #4: Ali Stroker. What is not diverse is their talent. They are all brilliantly talented, and each demands your attention every time they speak.
Add to this the great artistic team. The set is beautiful thanks to Scenic Designer, Walter Spangler; Then there is Choreographer, Stephen Buescher; Costume Designer, Linda Cho; Lighting Designer, Cha See; Sound Designer, Leon Rothenberg; Original Music, Mark Bennett, Wayne Barker; and
Wig & Hair Designer, Charles G. LaPointe.
Babbitt is playing in Sid Harman Hall at the Shakespeare Theatre Company through November 3rd. Tickets available online. Don’t miss this show!!