Cory Michael Smith, Emilia Clarke
Cory Michael Smith, Emilia Clarke
Credits:
O & M Co.
by: Sandi Durell
How many yawns can I ascribe to Breakfast at Tiffany’s in this Richard Greenberg adaptation of Truman Capote’s novella? If you’re trying to make a comparison to the 1961 movie starring Audrey Hepburn, you’ll be far, far off the mark.

This adaptation takes refuge in a WW II film noir rain opener, with young Fred, a wannabe writer (Cory Michael Smith), narrator, segueing into a bar as he relates Holly Golightly’s story to Joe Bell (George Wendt), who is not so secretly in love with Ms. Golightly. Holly is a good-time girl, an unconventional woman-child, played by Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), and goes on and on and on – darling!

Fred falls for Holly, his neighbor, who can be seen climbing in and out of his window because she forgets her key, as she cozies up to him and any other guy in pants.

Party scenes seem stilted, with several abrupt endings, as we are supposed to believe the heavy dialogue subscribed to Ms. Clarke who, most of the time, seems more of a caricature than real person. The insertion of a nude bath scene between Clark and Smith is a question mark, along with all the references to homosexuality, drugs and prostitution, which are referenced in the novella.

The most compelling moments surround scenes with Holly’s estranged veterinarian husband, whom she left, to pursue her more eccentric lifestyle. When Doc (Murphy Guyer) comes to claim her, there is a true emotional and delicate underpinning displayed.

Lest I forget, there’s Cat! One of the only living breathing realities in her life, aside from Fred, that keep her whole. Cat appears at the beginning and end and, as a cat lover, was a highlight.

Other cast members include Suzanne Bertish as Madame Spanella (who needed more); John Rothman as Sid Arbuck and Pedro Carmo as Jose, both love interests; sexy neighbor-model Kate Cullen Roberts as Mag Wildwood.

Although director Sean Mathias tried hard, maybe he tried a little too hard.
Derek McLane’s scenic design captured a bar scene, apartment interiors and Hamburger joint solidly, aided by Peter Kaczorowski’s fine lighting, with special kudos to Wendall K. Harrington for projections. Well designed costumes are by Colleen Atwood.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Cort Theatre, West 48th Street, NYC – come and gone in a flash!