Mother of the Maid

B-

As a showcase for the talents of the marvelous Glen Close (The Real Thing, Sunset Boulevard), Jane Anderson’s (Looking for Normal, “The Wife”) play at the Public Theater is an unqualified success. Beyond that, its merits are less clear. Your reaction to it may depend on whether you think the world needs yet another play about Joan of Arc, albeit one told from the viewpoint of her mother. The Arcs, as portrayed by Anderson, are a hardworking peasant family. Jacques (Dermot Crowley; The Weir, Translations) is gruff and dislikes challenges to his authority. Isabelle (Ms. Close) is a no-nonsense mother who tries hard to meet the challenge of raising their rebellious teen-aged daughter Joan (Grace Van Patten; The Whirligig), especially when she starts having saintly visions. Joan’s brother Pierre (Andrew Hovelson; Lucky Guy, The Father) repeatedly demonstrates that he lacks his sister’s strength of character. Their priest, Father Gilbert (Daniel Pearce; Machinal, Passion Play), discounts Joan’s visions until she is embraced by the French court. A well-meaning but nameless Lady of the Court (Kate Jennings Grant; The Lyons, Noises Off) is kind to Joan and her family but is unable to avoid lapsing into patronizing mode. Her servant Monique (Olivia Gilliatt; CasablancaBox) is basically superfluous to the story. The first act contains considerable humor, occasionally resembling a family sitcom. The second act darkens and offers powerful monologues for each parent. While it is interesting to see events from a different point of view, the play offers no new insights. The device of having a character narrate, referring to oneself in the third person, seemed awkward. The actors are all fine, with Ms. Close more than fine. I only wish she had not been given makeup that made her appear almost grotesque. The set design by John Lee Beatty (Sweat, The Water Engine) is efficient and understated. Jane Greenwood’s (The Little Foxes) costumes are apt, especially the lavish gowns for Ms. Grant. The direction by Matthew Penn (The Beauty Queen of Leenane) is smooth. While I found the play a bit wobbly in its tone, I was grateful for the opportunity to see Ms. Close up close. Running time: two hours ten minutes including intermission.