The Parisian Woman

B-

Uma Thurman makes her Broadway debut in the lead role of Chloe in Beau Willimon’s (Farragut North, “House of Cards”) political drama set in contemporary Washington. The play was inspired by La Parisienne, an 1885 French play by Henry Becque. Chloe is married to Tom (Josh Lucas; Corpus Christi, “Sweet Home Alabama”), a prominent tax lawyer who is hoping for an appointment to the federal bench. Peter (Marton Csokas; The Little Foxes at NYTW) is an influential businessman who is besotted with Chloe. Jeanette (Blair Brown; Copenhagen, James Joyce's The Dead) is about to become chair of the Federal Reserve Board. Her daughter Rebecca (Phillipa Soo; Hamilton, Amelie), fresh out of Harvard Law, has ambitions for a career in politics. Chloe may not have a career, but pulling the strings of the other four characters is a full-time job. Deep character portrayal is not the play’s strength. Playing out a somewhat intricate plot while springing an occasional surprise is where the pleasure lies. There are scattered references to life under the Trump administration that go for an easy laugh. The actors are well-cast. Ms. Thurman seems perfectly comfortable onstage; that her character does not come across as more charismatic is probably a problem in the writing. Mr. Csokas’s Peter is a hoot. Blair Brown never disappoints. Mr. Lucas and Ms Soo are fine, but don’t get that much opportunity to show their mettle. The scenic design by Derek McLane (Beautiful, The Price) features three different attractive sets. A high-tech electronic curtain descends between scenes. Jane Greenwood’s (The Little Foxes) costumes suit their characters well. Pam MacKinnon (Amelie, The Qualms) directs with assurance. Running time: one hour 40 minutes; no intermission.