On & Off Broadway

'Skylight'

Reviewed by Elyse Trevers

Posted

There are very few actors who command attention the minute they walk on stage. Bill Nighy is one of those personalities, as is evident when he takes the stage in the revival of David Hare's play, Skylight. All eyes are focused on him; he’s energy personified. Walking around the small apartment of his former lover, Kyra, he is in constant motion, his face twitching and his jaw working. No part of him remains still. Nevertheless, Nighy is charismatic and attractive.

While he does command attention, some of this kinetic energy can be a distraction. He portrays Tom Sargeant, a recently widowed entrepreneur who visits his former mistress, played by Carey Mulligan. A much younger woman, Kyra had been an integral part of Tom’s family and business. As long as Sargeant's wife, Alice, didn't know about the affair, Kyra was at peace with their relationship. Three years earlier when Alice discovered it, Kyra fled abruptly, with no explanation.

The play actually begins with Edward, Tom’s 18-year-old son, (Matthew Beard) visiting Kyra. Although he doesn’t know why she left, he misses her terribly and complains about his father. One wonders how much of Nighy's physical mannerisms were at the instruction of director Stephen Daldry, since son Edward shows some of the same restlessness and fidgety behavior as does his father.

As Tom enters the apartment, it is clear he is a man who wants to be in charge. He is used to being in control, even telling Kyra how to make the sauce for her dinner. But Kyra has changed since she left him. She is stronger and more resolute. She’s quick to challenge him, despite the love she still feels for him, and Tom seems a bit bewildered by her push-back.

Kyra became a teacher and is living in a run-down flat. Tom pronounces that her new life choices are her way of atoning.

The characters are supposed to be far apart in age and the actual age difference between Nighy and Mulligan is 35 years. Despite their relationship, he appears to be too old for her. Interestingly, the two characters embrace but never kiss. We know they have sex but that is during “intermission.”

As Kyra, Carey Mulligan is a wonder. Wearing nondescript shapeless clothes, she still manages to be pretty. She is strong and capable and holds her own opposite the far more seasoned actor.

I found myself mesmerized more by Nighy's motions than by his dialogue. My colleague wondered if it would have been less distracting had we been sitting further back. Ironic, since most people prefer closer seats! Broadway producers have learned that often a show needs stars to sell tickets. Although Mulligan and Nighy are filling the seats of this limited run, watching Nighy is like drinking Red Bull. Who needs more caffeine?