Broadway Revival of Proof Tests David Auburn's Timeless Play
The Booth Theatre in New York is currently hosting the first Broadway revival of David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Proof. This production, directed by Thomas Kail, brings together a star-studded cast including Ayo Edebiri, Don Cheadle, and Kara Young. While the play's sturdy structure and elegant writing remain intact, the performances vary significantly, with Kara Young emerging as the standout in this family drama about mathematics, legacy, and mental health.
Ayo Edebiri's Performance Falls Short in Key Role
Ayo Edebiri, known for her Emmy-winning role in The Bear, takes on the part of Catherine, a young woman grappling with the inheritance of her father's genius and mental illness. Initially, Edebiri captures Catherine's petulant and sardonic demeanor, portraying her as a character stuck in late adolescence. However, as the plot progresses, her performance becomes inconsistent, devolving into stammers and tics that detract from the character's humanity. This overstatement contrasts sharply with Auburn's naturalistic writing, making it difficult for audiences to connect with Catherine's emotional journey.
Don Cheadle's Understated Approach Lacks Impact
Don Cheadle plays Robert, Catherine's late father, a mathematical genius whose later years were marred by mental decline. In a surprising turn, Cheadle delivers a curiously flat performance, barely hinting at Robert's internal struggles. This understated approach may have been intended to balance Edebiri's excesses, but it results in a lack of chemistry between the two actors. Their failure to convey the generational legacy central to the play weakens the overall narrative impact.
Kara Young Shines as the Play's Saving Grace
Kara Young, a two-time Tony Award winner, steps in as Claire, Catherine's type-A sister from Manhattan. Young's performance is crisp, legible, and no-frills, bringing much-needed clarity to the fraught domestic dynamics. She effectively portrays Claire's frustration and guilt over her absence during her family's most difficult years, anchoring the production with her dialed-in acting. Young's ability to keep the play afloat is reminiscent of Claire's role in supporting her ailing family, making her the highlight of this revival.
Supporting Cast and Technical Elements
Jin Ha delivers an effective performance as Hal, Robert's former student who is torn between his attraction to Catherine and his desire to uncover mathematical secrets. Kris Bowers' original music adds a wistful and weary tone, enhancing scene transitions. However, Teresa L Williams' set design, while sharp, includes strip lights that evoke a cold, flashy aesthetic more suited to modern London productions than this intimate drama. Despite these minor technical missteps, the core issue remains the uneven performances.
The Enduring Strength of David Auburn's Writing
Despite the actorly miscalculations, David Auburn's writing proves resilient. The play's tidy structure, elegant rhymes, and commercial appeal continue to engage audiences, with its mild mysteries and recurring motifs still eliciting chuckles and curiosity. This revival demonstrates that even when performances wobble, the basic math of Auburn's design remains sound, a testament to its status as a template for smart, accessible theater.
