Oscar nominee Melanie Griffith takes on the formidable role of Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate at the Laguna Playhouse. In the 1967 film, Anne Bancroft crystallized the character’s essence by portraying Mrs. Robinson as devilishly complicated, cynical, and blunt, while exuding a predatory sexiness. Mike Nichols dressed Bancroft in leopard-skin outfits and furs as if she was a hungry beast relentlessly pursuing her prey. Comparatively, Melanie Griffith’s interpretation of the infamous Mrs. Robinson was expressed in a lustrous and scintillating manner. The 5-foot 9-inch actress looked radiant wearing skin tight dresses with high heels, and sexy lingerie — prowling around the stage and tantalizing Ben Braddock in a soft, sultry voice. While Anne Bancroft was 37 to Ben’s 21, and Melanie Griffith is 60 to Ben’s 21, both actresses have convinced the audience that Ben would undoubtedly be deliriously attracted to the older woman.
The Graduate was adapted by Terry Johnson, based on the novel by Charles Webb, and the screenplay by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham. Ovation Award-winner Michael Matthews directs the Laguna Beach production. The exquisite, moveable sets were designed by Stephen Clifford and Kate Bergh to capture the 60s modish style, recapitulated in her costumes. There was an overwhelming demand for tickets to see Melanie Griffith in The Graduate causing the Laguna Playhouse to extend its run until March 25, 2019.
The story line to The Graduate is as follows: Mrs. Robinson is a lonely housewife who seduces her friend’s son, Benjamin Braddock. Benjamin is just out of college and living at home. The tables turn when he starts falling for the one person she specifically told him not to—her daughter.
Introducing the first scene, the tone of the 60s is set immediately — the hit tune, “Downtown” blasts ceremoniously throughout the theater opening the play. Matthews continues featuring recognizable pop melodies (Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson,” of course) from this era as the backdrop to the action. He also skillfully parades across the stage a chorus of characters and stagehands, dressed in the 60s regalia to make the transitions between the vignettes.
Historically, this was a time of counterculture and revolution against social norms. Ben Braddock’s character represents the younger generation, rebelling and protesting his parents’ wishes to settle down into a stable job and marriage. However, the director has chosen a unique way to capture Ben’s anxious and questioning state of mind at the very beginning of The Graduate. Like a fish out of water, Ben stands flailing his arms center stage, engulfed in a wet suit and mask. He is attempting to swim and not drown in the dark ocean of fear. Ironically, the wet suit is his graduation suit given to Ben by his parents. As he fulfills the developmental task of cutting the umbilical chord of reliance on the parental hold, Ben Braddock has begun his odyssey to self-discovery and graduating to adulthood.
Nick Tag portrays Ben with a kinetic and intense energy he channels easily into the ever-changing moods of his character. Tag displays impeccable comic timing that overlays an irresistible naïveté when being seduced by the sizzling temptress Mrs. Robinson. Melanie Griffith smoothly bypasses Tag’s hysterical outpouring of protests and captures him in her siren-like hold. In the bedroom, she holds Ben at bay by avoiding deep, personal conversation and flooding his curious appetite with never-ending sensuality. As Mrs. Robinson, Griffith demonstrates a strength of physicality, combined with a generous allurement. It was great fun watching Griffith and Tag grapple each other in their first sexual encounter.
The other supporting cast is excellent as they rotate in and out of Ben’s turbulent path. Martha Magruder plays Elaine (Mrs. Robinson’s daughter with whom Ben falls in love) and attacks her role with vigor and intelligence. She sets up her character as an innocent foil to her mother’s convoluted transactions. Although Elaine challenges Ben, her presence in his tumultuous life adds a calming effect. Valerie Perri shows off her comedic, no holds bar acting skills as she portrays Mrs. Braddock – a mother who would do anything for her son. Perri steals the scene when she slides across the floor in a beanbag chair to get closer to the psychiatrist and her husband as they discuss Ben’s problems. Richard Burgi goes at his role of Ben’s father like a relentless patriarch. His ferocious determination seems to symbolize the overall anxiety of a generation, relinquishing control to the future. As opposed to his friend Mr. Robinson (performed by Geoffrey Lower) who falls victim to his difficult circumstances, we see a subtly weaker man struggling to find a way back his power.
This version of The Graduate at the Laguna Playhouse ministers a new spin on the classic tale. It is a delightful evening of theater with a special twist of sparkle watching the lovely Melanie Griffith starring as Mrs. Robinson.
Visit: www.lagunaplayhouse.com or call 949-497-2787
Agenda Bloggers: Written by Sheryl Aronson for “Arting Around” | Want to comment? Login/Register here.
