The Visit Review: Smug 50s Comedy Falls Flat

The Pasadena Playhouse production of Friedrich Dürrenmatt's 1950s absurdist comedy, 'The Visit,' has opened to a critical reception that finds the play overly smug in its bleak portrayal of venal humanity. Despite the play's perceived shortcomings, the performances of Jefferson Mays and Melinda Page Hamilton are highlighted as significant draws, making the theatrical experience worthwhile for audiences.

'The Visit' centers on the return of Claire Zachanassian, a wealthy woman who, as a young girl, was wronged by her hometown and its inhabitants. Returning decades later, she offers the impoverished town an immense sum of money on the condition that they kill Alfred Ill, the man responsible for her past humiliation. The play explores themes of greed, corruption, and the moral compromises individuals and communities make when faced with extreme temptation. The original play, written by the Swiss playwright Friedrich Dürrenmatt, premiered in Zurich in 1956 and has since been adapted into various forms, including a 1964 film starring Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn.

The review suggests that while the play's premise and its exploration of societal decay are potent, the execution at Pasadena Playhouse leans into a self-satisfied cynicism that detracts from its potential impact. The production's 'peak-bleak' view is described as too self-aware, potentially alienating the audience rather than engaging them with the moral quandaries presented. This smugness, according to the critique, overshadows the inherent drama and the exploration of human nature under duress.

However, the performances of Jefferson Mays and Melinda Page Hamilton are consistently praised. Mays, a Tony Award winner, and Hamilton, also a Tony winner, are credited with bringing depth and compelling energy to their roles, presumably as Alfred Ill and Claire Zachanassian, respectively. Their contributions are presented as the primary reason to attend the production, offering a strong anchor amidst the play's thematic and tonal challenges. The review implies that their acting prowess elevates the material, providing moments of genuine theatrical power even when the play itself falters.

The Pasadena Playhouse, a historic regional theater known for its ambitious productions, has previously seen success with revivals, such as an "Amadeus" production earlier in the year that was described as a 'spectacular success on every level.' This context suggests a venue capable of delivering high-quality theater, making the critique of 'The Visit' particularly focused on the play's inherent qualities and the specific directorial or interpretative choices made in this staging. The review implies that while the venue and its lead actors are capable of excellence, the chosen play and its presentation in this instance did not fully coalesce into a universally acclaimed production.