Uncle

photo: Jim Baldassare

This new drama alternates between scenes a generation apart of the same well-meaning but quietly terrified woman unable to acknowledge the homosexuality of her brother (in the flashback scenes) and of her son (in the present tense ones.) The woman is played with compassion and strength by Nancy McDonnel: the integrity of her performance grounds this production (even though the focus of the play is more on the men) and her characterization reminded me of Lois Nettleson. High praise. The play's aim is more ambitious than its throw but there's no denying that the final emotionally charged scene hits the mark.