‘Morning Sun’ Theater Review: Edie Falco Shows The Heroism Of Everywoman

An understated study of female aging, Morning Sun, by buzzy playwright Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) opened at the Manhattan Theatre Club on Wednesday. The play offers memorable performances by three leading actresses – Edie Falco, Marin Ireland and Blair Brown.

Charley (Falco) on her deathbed recalls formative moments from her workaday, working-class life. Her tough mother (Ireland) and challenging daughter (Marin) fill in key details while namechecking decades of New York history – St. Vincent’s Hospital, Penn Station’s demolition, John Lennon’s murder. They fly through her life embodying various key figures – both male and female – starting with the birth of her parents until the moment of her passing. It’s an effective gambit that draws in the audience with its beautiful ordinariness. With three actresses in their prime working their magic on stage, it’s worth the price of admission alone.

Morning Sun is now playing at the Manhattan Theatre Club. Get tickets here!