After Miss Julie

Lately, it's becoming a familiar feeling that when seeing a play at Roundabout, you shall leave disappointed in one regard. This was true for February's premiere engagement of "Hedda Gabler" with Ms. Parker, "The Philanthropist" with Mr. Broderick (let's not start on him) and now once again under Mr. Brokaw's direction with "After Miss Julie."

The story is a re imagination of Strindberg's classic. Ms. Miller plays the title role, a wealthy young woman who brings out a long lasting desire from one of her slaves, John played by Mr. Miller. Caught between them is Christine, John's fiancee and Julie's maid, played to perfection by Ms. Ireland. Mr. Marber who is known very well for his quick witted, profanity-filled dialogue ("Closer") did not disappoint here. A few slips in keeping with the original text that didn't ring true to this rendition but other than this, Mr. Marber left us with a play filled with punches, differing dynamics, wonderful dialogue and a new side to Ms. Julie.

Mr. Miller's performance will bring you in, moment by moment. His words as if falling from the mouth of Strindberg, add authenticity to the air. His virile figure in comparison to both women makes his meltdown more powerful. A performance one is likely not to forget, and yet so easily forgettable due to the realistic approach. Through beads of sweat, you feel his love for Ms. Julie. From sideway smiles you catch the glimpse of his love for Christine. A truly wonderful interpretation of the original and Marber's John.

Ms. Ireland earned a well deserved Tony nomination earlier this year for "Reasons To Be Pretty", surrendering only to the Goddess of Carnage herself Marcia Gay Harden. Here in AMJ, she plays Christine with fire and subtly. It's through this subtly that the play holds itself together for its mere (but too long) ninety minute run. Moments of silence are executed perfectly when she unknowingly falls asleep upon John's entrance. In this version, Christine is the audience's character. Some flaws are mentioned through Marber's exposition, but Ms. Ireland does not let us stray from knowing who is good. Beautiful comic timing and letting the audience come to their own conclusions about Christine are just a couple of Ms. Ireland's wonderful choices for a truly perfected performance.

Ms. Miller. Yes. Well, Ms. Miller is an extraordinarily talented actress on film and despite popular belief, I don't believe she has no stage presence. Her beauty speaks volumes on stage. She commands herself to be taken seriously and yet allows us the glimpse of innocence. However, Ms. Miller seemed to be thinking too much. Her body was quite stiff, and there wasn't much passion between her and Mr. Miller that didn't feel forced. The moment they share the "first" kiss seemed extremely rushed and only there did we begin to lose the true value of the story that Miss Julie tells. It was, and is always a pleasure watching Ms. Miller find her way around the stage, using different props and dress to accentuate her Miss Julie. A casting choice that seemed to be based solely upon the blonde haired nymphomaniac Miss Julie is described as, it truly almost was a wonderful performance. She is beautiful. She is talented. She should be on stage. Pushing the three together with a powerful female role like Miss Julie made us hear the crash before Ms. Ireland's character slammed the door.

Mr. Moyer completed a wonderfully realistic set. Beautifully conceptual lighting design by Mr. McCullough. Mr. Brokaw (who directed Ms. Nixon in Distracted earlier this year) had a gigantic weight of working with a star in this type of role. I tend to think the role of Miss Julie is almost always going to get paid back in full when played by an unknown. At ninety minutes with no intermission and too many silences, I don't think I'd see Miss Julie again. However, for the writing and for Ms. Ireland, I would force myself.

After Miss Julie plays at the American Airlines Theatre on 42nd Street until December 6, 2009.

Sienna Miller
Jonny Lee Miller
Marin Ireland

Direction: Mark Brokaw
Writer: Patrick Marber
Set: Allen Moyer
Light: Mark McCullogh