Forest Whitaker, an academy award-winning actor, is making his Broadway debut playing Erie Smith in Eugene O’Neill’s “Hughie” at the Booth Theatre. Now, there is no question that Forest Whitaker is an outstanding actor, producer and director. He is a multiple award winner for his many film performances. And in “Hughie,” he gives a solid acting performance. O’Neill’s play, however, is difficult to sit through. “Hughie” is boring on Broadway.
Whitaker is Erie Smith, a gambler and a drunk who doesn’t believe in marriage, and his only friend, Hughie, the night clerk at his hotel, has died. He comes back to the hotel after taking some time away to sober up, and when he finds a new night clerk, he proceeds to tell the man everything about himself, the former clerk and their friendship. He insults the man and shares how he insulted the former clerk and his wife. The night clerk’s responses—his facial expressions, silences and blank stares—were also shared by some audience members. Smith goes on and on. Some things he talks about are humorous, others are just boring to listen to. Fortunately, the play is over in 60 minutes. It is disappointing to me that such a phenomenal talent would choose to make his Broadway debut in a piece like this one. I noticed people sleeping during the play, and some were still asleep when everyone was leaving. I guess the ushers were going to wake them up and let them know it was over. I hope the next play that Whitaker decides to be in is worthy of his talents.
The night clerk is played by Frank Wood. What’s interesting about Wood is he is in character before the show’s start. As everyone comes into the theatre, he is sitting on the stage in the lobby of the hotel with just a blank stare, barely blinking. He simply doesn’t move. That should have been a hint.