Winter Journey

A play, set in in the tough world of the American Theatre itself, by American playwright Clifford Odets (1906 - 1963).

When the leading man pulls out of a play when it is in try-outs the director, Bernie Dodd persuades the backers to let Frank Elgin take over. Frank was once a matinee idol but has taken to drink. He blames his drinking on his wife Georgie he says that it is her neurotic nature and constant suicide attempts that led him to drink. Bernie is very hostile to Georgie. After some bad reviews Frank hits the bottle. Bernie tries to have Georgie sent home. It is then that he discovers that Frank had been lying to him. Frank is the neurotic suicide attempting one whilst Georgie tries her best to support him.

First produced Greenwich Mews Theatre, New York, 12 Mar 1968. Published by Samuel French Inc, New York.

Performance history in South Africa

Presented by CAPAB in the Hofmeyr Theatre, opening on 26 August 1967, directed by Frank Shelley. The cast were Don Bradshaw, Joey Wishnia, Phillip Boucher, Ken Leach, Cheryl Heath, Norman Ettlinger, Yvonne Bryceland, Gordon Sara. Set designed by Scott Robertson.

According to an announcement of forthcoming productions in The Beaux' Stratagem theatre programme, the director of the CAPAB production in 1967 was to have been Peter Curtis.

Sources

http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsO/odets-clifford.html

Winter Journey theatre programme, 1967.

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