A Star is Born in BORN YESTERDAY

THEATRE: Cort Theatre, New York

DATE: 14-05-2011

TIME: 20:00

WITH: Nina Arianda, Robert Sean Leonard, James Belushi, Frank Wood, Terry Beaver, Patricia Hodges, Michael McGrath, Jennifer Regan.

DIRECTOR: Doug Hughes

“Born Yesterday” by Garson Kanin is a very old-fashioned comedy, but it has received a highly entertaining revival by Doug Hughes. The Tony-winning director (for “Doubt”) has assembled a terrific cast, which includes James Belushi (“Saturday Night Live”) and Robert Sean Leonard (“House”), but the main reason for seeing this production is Nina Arianda’s star-making performance as the archetypal dumb blonde, Billie Dawn.

Born Yesterday premiered on Broadway in 1946 and Judy Holliday caused a sensation as Billie. She subsequently recreated the role for the succesfull 1950 George Cukor film adaptation and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Ever since that success the play has only received one Broadway revival in 1989 with the late Madeline Kahn. Although its views on women are a bit outdated and its conclusion - that two innocents can defeat big money in Washington – is a bit naïve the play still holds up as a polished piece of entertainment. John Lee Beatty has designed a luxurious and detailed hotel suite set for this solid production, which is complemented by the sumptuous costumes of Catherine Zuber (nominated for a Tony).

Robert Sean Leonard, Nina Arianda & James Belushi

James Belushi’s performance as the crass businessman Harry Brock, who has come to Washington to buy influence on capitol hill, is not very varied but highly effective. Harry has brought his mistress Billie (Arianda) with him for company, but is soon of the opinion that his ‘dumb blonde’ does not blend in too well with the movers and shakers of Washington. To fix this he hires reporter Paul Verrall (Leonard) to be Billie’s Henry Higgins and educate her in the ways of politics. Billie eventually proves to be an eager student and during the course of the play she falls in love with her tutor. The two eventually decide to bring down Harry and democracy prevails! Okay, you have to suspend disbelieve to go along with this fairy tale, but the cast makes you believe in the moment.

James Belushi is very good at portraying the ugly American and his physical violence towards Billie is quite menacing. I was a bit disturbed though when audience members were laughing during these moments. I have been a fan of Robert Sean Leonard ever since I saw him as Neal in Dead Poets Society and it was a thrill seeing him on stage. His smooth operator of a reporter was a joy to watch and he had great chemistry with Arianda.

Stage pros Terry Beaver and Frank Woods are also excellent as examples of a corrupt political system, but the play has always been a star vehicle for the actress playing Billie and Nina Arianda is up for the challenge of putting a unique stamp on the role. This actress, who only recently graduated from Julliard, truly is a sensation in the part. Her comic timing, expressive face, feistiness and presence are truly remarkable. The audience immediately loves her and is rooting for her from start to finish. During this New York trip I also saw Arianda in the beautiful new Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris and she will be returning to Broadway next season in Venus in Fur. This Off Broadway success had critics and audiences all abuzz during the previous season. It is something that will undoubtedly be a recurring theme in her very promising career. Born Yesterday has already bagged Arianda a first Tony nomination for Best Actress. 

I could have lived without seeing this play, but I would not for the world have missed Arianda’s sensational Broadway debut. This actress is going places. Remember her name!

Rising star Nina Arianda