Retired actor Benny Silverman is disturbed to learn that the director of the play in which his daughter will star is Leo Greshen, a former friend and colleague who "named" Benny in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950s, an act that resulted in him getting blacklisted. This 1995 production of Sweet's play, directed by Gordon Hunt and originally released as a radio broadcast, is both amusing and touching as Benny and Leo, who haven't spoken in 30 years, are forced to confront their pasts. Garry Marshall (as Benny) is the focus of this excellent production and has some great lines, though his stammering is occasionally excessive; the performances by Emmy Award winner Héctor Elizondo (as Leo) and Sally Murphy (as Norma) are flawless. Recommended for those who enjoy comedic audio dramas and stories about McCarthy-era Hollywood and Broadway.—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA
The Value of Names
Benny Silverman, a retired, successful actor, seems to have surmounted the bitter time in his life when Leo Greshen, a good friend and colleague ¿named¿ him in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Benny¿s flourishing career was nearly destroyed, and his comeback was slow and painful. The two men haven¿t spoken since. But they are forced to deal with each other 30 years after the fact, when Benny¿s daughter wins a career-making role in a hot new play Leo is directing.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Hector Elizondo,Garry Marshall and Sally Murphy.
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An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Hector Elizondo,Garry Marshall and Sally Murphy.
The Value of Names
Benny Silverman, a retired, successful actor, seems to have surmounted the bitter time in his life when Leo Greshen, a good friend and colleague ¿named¿ him in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Benny¿s flourishing career was nearly destroyed, and his comeback was slow and painful. The two men haven¿t spoken since. But they are forced to deal with each other 30 years after the fact, when Benny¿s daughter wins a career-making role in a hot new play Leo is directing.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Hector Elizondo,Garry Marshall and Sally Murphy.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Hector Elizondo,Garry Marshall and Sally Murphy.
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The Value of Names
The Value of Names
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Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940172057571 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | L.A. Theatre Works |
| Publication date: | 11/15/2019 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
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