Review:"Clever Little Lies" at Guild Hall

        The East Hampton Theater going crowd was out in full force to see the Hamptons premiere of "Clever Little Lies," a new comedy by Joe DiPietro and directed by David Saint, starring Marlo Thomas. A star-studded audience at Guild Hall's John Drew Theater included Dina Merrill, Mathew Broderick and his wife Sarah Jessica Parker, along with Barbara Walters, Steve Cross and Blythe Danner. Also attending were Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria Baldwin.These are just the folks I recognized from from 8th row seats. Now about the production.
           The four actor cast consisted of Marlo Thomas, cast as Alice, with Greg Mullavey, cast as her husband Billy. Jim Stanek plays Billy Jr. and Kate Weatherhead plays Billy Jr.'s wife Jane. The set and lighting were superb in this 90 minute One-Act play that included three "sidebar" scenes. 
           Ms. Thomas was brilliant in showing the many sides of Alice, a strong modern/mature/mother figure role that included vulnerability and wisdom. She does not disappoint in her role as the star and driving force of the production. The plays tempo was excellent as Ms. Thomas provided the intense prowess that energized the rest of the cast.
          Greg Mullavey, the seasoned actor was also in top form playing a dad who is put in very compromising positions. The playwright created great one liners that Mullavey delivers with panache.
          Kate Wetherhead playing Billy Jr's wife nails her role as a new mother. Her voice and steadiness is very credible. No doubt she will have a bright future on Broadway.
          If there has to be a flaw in the production it may land on the efforts of Jim Stanek playing Billy Jr. The playwright was not kind in the creation of this character. I am not sure if Mr. Stanek just didn't shine as bright as the other three actors or if the part holds him down.
          Director David Saint orchestrates the actors so that the movement, tempo of lines, and sight lines/staging keep the productions energy flowing at a perfect pitch. The 90 minute production seems to be a half hour long. The show is a success. Mr. DiPietro's script delivers and the best way to sum up this review is that the money I paid to see this show was money well spent.