Grand Horizons Explores Long Term Relationships
A universal theme that consistently resonates for theatre-goers is one that poses the question, “how does love survive through the years?” And, what do we have to do in a long term relationship to make it work? This concept is examined in the new play “Grand Horizons” brilliantly written by Bess Wohl. Over a carefully prepared lunch, Nancy tells her husband, Bill, she wants a divorce. Unmoved and unaffected, Bill simply agrees, as if he were concurring with his wife about choosing the color of paint for the kitchen. “Grand Horizons” has an all-star cast: Jane Alexander, James Cromwell, Priscilla Lopez, Ben McKenzie, Maulik Pancholy, Ashley Park and Michael Urie. It’s a fabulous ensemble with characters bearing witness to the flawed relationship of the elderly couple, who have spent a lifetime together, now in their twilight years, living empty, mundane lives.
Enter the couple’s family, two sons who are miles apart emotionally, and the pregnant therapist wife of one of the brothers. Michael Urie plays the gay brother, who realizes he is unable to connect with anyone, illustrated by an interlude with someone he met online that takes place at his parent’s house. The sons and daughter-in-law attempt to keep the parents together and challenge them to grow closer. During this process we see little issues in the son and daughter-in-law’s relationship who also end up examining their own marriage. In the midst of the parent’s breakup, Bill’s new girlfriend enters and is politely and respectfully greeted by wife Nancy.
“Grand Horizons” is a very funny play but also quite deep, because it takes us on a journey of discovery about why the parents drifted apart and questions why they even married. A lifetime passed and the dissatisfaction can no longer be denied.
Hilarious and poignant at the same time, “Grand Horizons“, beautifully directed by Leigh Silverman, is a satisfying night at the theatre.
For more theatre news and conversation, listen to “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone” on WNYM Radio 9-10 Saturday morning and on podcast.
This Saturday, Valerie reveals her Valentine’s Day Gift Guide!
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
