The Cocktail Hour
by A. R. Gurney
October 9 - 19, 2008
The time is mid '70s, the place a city in upstate New York. John, a playwright, returns to his family's house, bring with him a new play that he has written about them. His purpose is to obtain their permission to proceed with production, but his wealthy, very proper parents are cautious from the outset. For them the theatre is personified by the gracious, comforting era of Lunts and Ina Claire, and they are disturbed by the bluntness of modern plays. And there is also John's sister, Nina, to contend with, although her reservations have to do with the fact that John has given her character such a minor role. Their confrontation takes place during the ritual of the cocktail hour, and as the martinis flow so do the recriminations and revelations, both funny and poignant. In the end it is evident that what John has written is closer to the truth than his family has heretofore been willing to admit, and that beneath their WASP reserve his parents and siblings are beset with uncertainties and frustrations as their presumed "inferiors". But while they seem shackled by the past, and tantalized by an alien future, the ties that bind them do prevail -- surmounting disputes and disappointments and, with unfailing warmth and humor, converting pained resignation into cautious and hopeful anticipation.
The world premiere of THE COCKTAIL HOUR was at the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, California, in June 1988. It opened in New York City at the Promenade Theatre, October 20, 1988.
"It makes for a deliciously funny and also occasionally touching evening, as Gurney's family sit around raking old coals and settling old scores with a quit new and beguiling freshness" --The New York Post
"THE COCKTAIL HOUR is as funny and moving as THE DINING ROOM ... it could be the best play he has done so far." --The New Yorker
