Barrymore

John Barrymore, one of America’s great Shakespearean actors, and an early movie idol as well. The grandfather of Drew Barrymore, the brother of Lionel and Ethel, John was born into the Barrymore-Drew family in 1882. His career was fueled for many years by his name alone. Eventually, through the efforts of a great friend, Ned Sheldon, he took a real interest in his craft and shook audiences worldwide with his performances of King Richard III and Hamlet. Unfortunately (or not,) he was also a devoted womanizer, drunk and bon vivant, and by the late thirties, early forties had lost fortunes, friends and dignity. In this show we visit him one imaginary night as he tries to rekindle his career, only four months before he died. Under the direction of Michael Curtiss, Chuck Galle brilliantly portrays John Barrymore in this funny, endearing production of Luce’s famed play. Through his eyes we learn of the lightsome, quirky and complex man beneath the haunted exterior. Also starring Guy Noyes as Frank, the loyal prompter. who suffers the slings and arrows of this besotted, fading star with an equanimity that borders on saintliness.

Review Quotes:

“Chuck Galle’s performance of John Barrymore is full of energy, and the production’s staging is solid.” — Jeanne’ McCartin, Portsmouth Herald Spotlight

“Chuck Galle’s portrayal of Barrymore’s descent is riveting. His presence and vocal range are well fitted to the manic shifts between crude and elegant, the heights of hilarity and the depths of emotion. He mimes, dances, sings and rages. I felt as if I were a reluctant witness to a confessional, wanting to avert my eyes and ears but finding the stories too compelling. ” — Bill Trotter, The Wire

“Guy Noyes as the prompter, Frank, was the perfect counterpoint to Galle. ” — Bill Trotter, The Wire