Some shows have the fate of not having a revival very often. And that is the case with Time and the Conways. For the first revival to hit the Broadway stage since the original production in 1938, starring Elizabeth McGovern of Downton Abbey, the production shines at Roundabout's American Airlines Theatre.
Starting in 1919, during a lavish celebration for one of her daughter's 21st birthdays, Mrs. Conways (McGovern) is full of optimism, the family is happy, wealthy, and full of big dreams for the future. But flash forward many years, to the same daughter's birthday in 1937, and the dreams have not turned out to be a reality.
McGovern embodies the character of Mrs. Conway flawlessly, and was greeted with applause and cheers when she first entered the stage. She played the part beautifully as if she has always been on the stage, and it's worth noting that this is her first return to Broadway since 1992 when she played Ophelia in Hamlet.
One of the most difficult parts, in my opinion, of being in the show would be having to change between many years, without actually acting out what happens in between. The cast is completed with Steven Boyer (as Ernest Beevers), Anna Camp (as Hazel Conway), Gabriel Ebert (as Alan Conway), Charlotte Parry (as Kay Conway), Matthew James Thomas (as Robin Conway), Anna Baryshnikov (as Carol Conway), Brooke Bloom (as Madge Conway), Alfredo Narciso (as Gerald Thornton), and Cara Ricketts (as Joan Helford).
Each cast member is flawlessly able to portray both sides to the character through the dramatic dialogue, and thought it stars Elizabeth McGovern, the story does center around Kay (Parry) and her birthdays and Charlotte Parry takes it in her stride, helping to carry along the story quite well.
Time and the Conways officially opened on October 10, and will run for a limited time through November 26. If you are a fan of plays, or historical drama, I can highly recommend this show. Though sad, it will introduce you to a wonderful play in its first revival.