What the heck is Apologia?

Guest post by Lulu

Apologia is a smash hit play playing in London at the moment.  It stars Stockard Channing and our host Joan Varner wanted to see it.  Harry, the ticket fairy, will do anything to keep Joan happy as we love visiting her.  He dutifully went to the box office and got us two seats in the fourth row (which was actually the front row – long story) for Tuesday night’s performance.  He declined going himself as he prefers musicals and was theatre weary after three plays already.

The play is about a career-driven woman (Kristen/Stockard) who fought for all kinds of causes in the sixties but who didn’t fight for custody of her sons when they were 7 and 9 years old.  She is now a famous art book author who has lived in England for the past 20 years.  The play takes place over one evening and the following morning in the kitchen of her house.  Her grown son comes to visit with his girlfriend/fiancée to introduce them.  She is snarky with the girlfriend who is trying desperately to make a good impression.  The evening descends further and further into dark territory as the guests (which include a neighbor and the brother’s girlfriend) drink more and more wine.  It reminded me of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf with Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. 

The play is getting great reviews and in addition to Stockard Channing there are huge stars from the UK.  Joan told me that the Laura Carmichael who played the American girlfriend was the pregnant sister on Downton Abby.  Desmond, who played a neighbor, has been in many British TV shows including Dr. Who.  Joseph Millson played not one, but both sons, and I didn’t even realize it until Joan pointed that out too!  He was so different – sort of like Adam and Stuart Chandler from All My Children. 

Stockard Channing is now 74 years old.  She is a petite thing – much to my surprise as she usually plays very strong women.  I googled her after the play.  The British tabloids were all commenting about her facial plastic surgery.  Who cares I say. She is still a great actress and had so many lines and several monologues. 

One of the best things about London is the ability to buy tickets to a show and walk in the same day.  Tickets are reasonable prices and Harry manages to score great ones.  I’m writing this on the plane home and can’t wait to return London again soon!