Review: The Lyons at Phoenix Theatre
by Katelyn Coyne
Nicky Silver paints a satiric portrait of a deeply dysfunctional American family in The Lyons, which made its Midwest premiere last week at the Phoenix Theatre. When Ben and Rita Lyons (Chuck Goad and Diane Kondrat) reveal to their adult children (Angela Plank and Scot Greenwell) that Ben has a terminal illness, the ensuing action finds years of resentments and anger coming into play.
Kondrat is marvelous in her final Indy show before a move to Portland, Ore. As a matriarch at the end of a 40-year stint in a loveless marriage, she gives a heartfelt and funny performance that showcases her vast acting range.
Her talent is matched on stage by Goad, who disappears into the role of the terminally ill father determined to torture his family to the bitter end, and adult children Plank and Greenwell, who explore the territory between the rock and hard place of two acrimonious parents.
Briefly featured actors Mercedes Martinez and Lincoln Slentz flesh out Silver's darkly funny world. Skillful direction by Butler theatre professor William Fisher guides this ensemble through the nuances of The Lyons, which with its vibrant dialogue and lively characters, is not to be missed.
Related Locations
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Phoenix Theatre
- 749 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis Mass Ave IN
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317-635-7529
- www.phoenixtheatre.org
- (based on 7 user reviews)
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