News Brief

A few years ago it was the American girl who was being glorified for the edification of theatre-goers but the tendency this year seems to be to give Faith in the guise of Catholicism its due. Eugene O’Neill, in his “Days Without End”, was the first entry and now, at the Belasco, Philip Barry has had his say in “The Joyous Season”.

Unlike the O’Neill play, which is heavy, sodden and often boring. “The Joyous Season” is sincere, convincing and radiant. In it Lillian Gish as a devout sister of the Church is used as an instrument to show that there is still power in prayers and faith. The plot is comparatively simple. It concerns the return after a long absence of Christina Farley (Miss Gish) to her family in Boston. They are an illassorted lot, burdened with all the cares of envy and hate, and without religious feelings. At one time they were a typically joyous Irish family but since they gained wealth and a measure of fame they acquired all manner of complexes about their importance. Christina senses the change and through her simplicity and understanding is able to straighten them out and start them on a road where the passage is smoother. To tell you the various feuds among the members of this family and the situation that led to a solution would be to spoil an evening I am sure you will enjoy.

Lillian Gish as Christina turns in her best performance to date. She adds not only a spiritual air to the play but becomes a character alive and believable. Jane Wyatt as the “difficult sister” is fiery and splendid. Eric Dressler in the role of Terry’s husband acts as a perfect foil. The rest of the cast is adequate and makes this new Barry piece something that you must put on your list for an early visit.