" . . .the theater-in-the-round staging somewhat ratchets up the emotional voltage . . . Timothy Hayes Lynch brings more compelling intensity to the role of the Porter. Staring broodingly about him, hands plunged in the pockets of his blue boiler suit, Lynch exudes a gruff compassion that sharpens the play's melancholy tone, particularly at the end, when he's captured in a wistful fading-light effect."

"Marybeth Fritzky does a splendid job as Catharine. The restless darting of her eyes, the twitching of her clenched fists, the jerky way she moves her head -- all her body language suggests borderline psychosis, but she seems vulnerable, too. Also notable is Graham as the courteous Dr. Cukrowicz, who's suitably troubled by Mrs. Venable's insistence that Catharine needs a lobotomy. Herren makes an unnervingly serene Mrs. Venable, and Kathryn Fuller and Mike Sherman are convincingly uncouth as Catharine's mother and brother."

"All the characterizations benefit from [Grant Kevin] Lane's aptly chosen costumes, including a gorgeous lavender silk dress for the snobbish Mrs. Venable and an ugly green suit, paired with yellow gloves, for Catharine's mother. "

"What makes this production most effective, though -- other than Fritzky's performance -- is the cast's focus and coordination as an ensemble. When everyone's onstage, as the melodramatic moments flow, you can sense the characters' conflicting self-interests hanging ominously in the sultry New Orleans air.

Wed, Dec 7, 2005, Page C08 --Celia Wren