"I Never Sang for My Father" at Laurel Mill Playhouse

Ed Higgins, Hillary Mazer

After finishing the summer one-act festival (see feature article) with an interesting crop of unknown works, the Laurel Mill Playhouse is revisiting classic American Theater for one more weekend with “I Never Sang for My Father” by Robert Anderson. Baby boomers may remember Gene Hackman’s Oscar-nominated movie performance as Gene Garrison, the son caught in a life-long web of father-son conflict who can’t turn his back on filial duty.

         The show is very well played by Donald Neal, Ed Higgins, Maureen Rogers, Hillary Mazer, Rob Allen, Shenna Ross, and Henry Green. 

          The following is a quote from my review that came out in the Laurel Leader, which doesn’t appear to be available online, but is likely hanging on the bulletin board at the theater.

Ed Higgins, Henry Green, Shenna Ross, Maureen Rogers, Donald Neal

          “Edgy and earnest, “I Never Sang for My Father” doesn’t really have a resolution, just an end to Gene’s mental snapshots but not to his yearning for paternal love. It does raise provocative questions about filial duty, while providing a showcase for some fine acting, and the folks at Laurel Mill Playhouse are up to it.”

          The final performances are Friday, and Saturday, at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. (Oct. 14-16). For more information, go to www.laurelmillplayhouse.org.