THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE

by Harley Granville-Barker, 1905

Adapted by David Mamet

A.C.T. 2005

"Even though Harley Granville-Barker wrote "THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE" 100 years ago, the story could easily have been snatched from today's sagas of corporate shenanigans. Of course, the fact that David Mamet has updated the play helps, too, making it feel even more contemporary. American Conservatory Theater, in association with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, is staging a sharply etched production directed by ACT's Carey Perloff and featuring a first-rate cast and design team.

"The Voysey Inheritance" is a must-see, not only because it's such good theater but also because it offers so much insight into today's corporate greed and hubris."

–– AISLE SAY

"It certainly looks like Granville-Barker's 1905 play in the dark wood, lush draperies and posh appurtenances of Ralph Funicello's grand drawing room set and costumer Deborah Dryden's sumptuous Edwardian gowns and evening wear. It sounds like Granville-Barker as well. But the line quoted above isn't by the English actor-author but by David Mamet...(The conflicts are) "expertly embodied by the strong ACT-Kansas City cast in ACT Artistic Director Carey Perloff's delightfully spirited staging...As vital, intelligent theater ––wittily written, perceptively staged and magnetically performed -- ACT's "Voysey" pays off its principal with interest to spare."

–– SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE, Ken Ruta, Cheryl Weaver, A.C.T. 2005,

Photo by Kevin Berne