LA Weekly Review
Neal Weaver: THE BELLE OF AMHERST
NEW REVIEW ...Playwright William Luce captures... Emily Dickinson in this monodrama, weaving her poems into the dialog so gracefully that one hardly realizes what he’s up to till a rhyme or a familiar phrase rings out.... Under the deft direction of Tony Sears, actor Kate Randolph Burns gives us a rich, multi-layered Dickinson, thoroughly capturing her thorny charm and wicked humor as well as her pain and fear. GO!
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BACK STAGE WEST - Critic’s pick
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October 01, 2008
By Jeff Favre
William Luce's one-hander about the eccentric life and awe-inspiring work of Emily Dickinson remains at 30-plus years a seamless blend of storytelling and poetry. It's not impervious to poor revivals, because it takes at least a capable actor to turn the words into music. Luce and Dickinson are in good hands with Kate Randolph Burns and director Tony Sears. Burns first tackled The Belle several years ago after seeing the role christened by Julie Harris, whom she later would direct in a different production. Burns, with barely bridled enthusiasm, leaps literally from the stage and connects with the audience so fully that it's tempting to join her for a spot of tea and two-way conversation. Her total transformation appears effortless as she relays pertinent biographical information and delicate rhymes without one false step.
Sears pushes the action to the edge of the stage and even has Burns enter the audience to share slices of her chocolate cake (sit in the front two rows if you want a piece) and to ask a few questions. The actor's comfort level is what sells the material. Her wide eyes express wonderment at the power of words, just as they ache with sorrow over Dickinson's loss of her father and nephew. Luce's use of the famous poems makes this a classic, and Burns' expertly executed recitation of them proves she has regard and understanding for each word's purpose. The Belle of Amherst remains ageless, kept in safe hands in this production.
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RICH BOROWY
“Kate Randolph Burns, as the titled belle, is fantastic!”
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THE TOLUCAN TIMES
Reviewed by Pat Taylor, Sept. 10, 2008
One of the most involving, captivating “one-person” plays I have ever seen! Triumphantly played with riveting focus and infectious charm by Kate Randolph Burns, this is a must-see for seasoned theatregoers! The audience was transfixed throughout. Having run in New York in the 1980’s, starring the remarkable Julie Harris...I honestly can’t imagine that her portrayal could have topped Kate’s multi-layered performance here.
Directed by Tony Sears with impeccable pacing and savvy on the trick and artful process of solo plays...there wasn’t a dull or uninteresting moment....Do come and meet Emily Dickinson!
