I first saw this as a play back in the '70s, and after a few productions here and there that were always funny and rewarding, I began to regard "PS Your Cat Is Dead" as one of those perfect plays, like "Importance of Being Earnest," that can survive even the worst casting and direction.
Alas, Steve Guttenberg's little self-directed vanity production has proved me wrong, as he manages to pretty much kill the humor by grabbing center stage and then not doing much but occupying it. The play isn't really about Jimmy Zoole so much as it is about the events that occur, the burglar who triggers them, and, to a lesser degree, the puzzled /discomfited ex-girlfriend who just wants to get out of there. Unfortunately, Guttenberg has pushed all of these elements into the background so as to claim more of the limelight for himself, and then, just to really put his "stamp" on it (mark it with his scent?) he makes the "dump" apartment upscale and chic and throws out the gay elements that provided the play's best twists. When restrained by a good director, Guttenberg can be a charming and entertaining actor, but with no one to keep his ego in check, he's just a smug, aging bore.
Ah well, we can always hope that someone will someday do a remake that gives James Kirkwood's play the presentation it deserves.
Alas, Steve Guttenberg's little self-directed vanity production has proved me wrong, as he manages to pretty much kill the humor by grabbing center stage and then not doing much but occupying it. The play isn't really about Jimmy Zoole so much as it is about the events that occur, the burglar who triggers them, and, to a lesser degree, the puzzled /discomfited ex-girlfriend who just wants to get out of there. Unfortunately, Guttenberg has pushed all of these elements into the background so as to claim more of the limelight for himself, and then, just to really put his "stamp" on it (mark it with his scent?) he makes the "dump" apartment upscale and chic and throws out the gay elements that provided the play's best twists. When restrained by a good director, Guttenberg can be a charming and entertaining actor, but with no one to keep his ego in check, he's just a smug, aging bore.
Ah well, we can always hope that someone will someday do a remake that gives James Kirkwood's play the presentation it deserves.