When Emmy Award-winning actress Holland Taylor steps onto the stage of the Eisenhower Theater at the Kennedy Center to perform “Ann,” her one-woman show about former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, it feels as though time has collapsed and the world is transported back to an era when Richards was still alive, giving a speech to graduating seniors at a college in Texas. For this detailed tribute to Richards, Taylor did considerable research about Richards’ personal and public background. The result is a funny, moving, informative remembrance in which Taylor lays bare the essential Richards, a strong, resourceful woman who never shrank from admitting her vulnerabilities.
The commencement speech is cleverly designed to allow Richards to talk about the importance of hard work and determination. She recalls her hard-as-nails mother, who convinced Ann that “life was difficult.” Richards tells stories about her father, whom she adored, a man who taught her how to have fun. This background provides a clear sense of what shaped Richards, preparing her for the trials and tribulations of political life.
| Onstage |
| ‘Ann’ |
| Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW |
| When: Through Jan. 15 |
| Info: Tickets begin at $54; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org |
Richards’ early life and married years are effectively narrated against Zachary Borovay’s projections, showing the humble house Richards grew up in and the suburban home she lived in with her husband. The middle section of the play is set in the Governor’s Mansion, with Richards constantly on the telephone with everyone from her granddaughter to President Clinton.
Smoothly directed and carefully paced by Benjamin Klein, both acts of “Ann” balance a tone of seriousness with one of comedy. Michael Fagin’s set showing the Governor’s Mansion is impressive, with its soaring ceiling and chandelier, massive desk and credenza.
Clearly this vision of Richards wouldn’t succeed if Taylor weren’t a first-class actress, capable of reflecting Richards’ humor, sensitivity and intelligence. Yes, that immovable white helmet of hair (wig by Paul Huntley) and the impeccable white suit (costume by Julie Weiss) make Taylor look like Richards. And that sweet Southern drawl even when she’s swearing like a sailor makes Taylor sound like Richards.
But what gives Taylor true affinity with Richards is her ability to embody Richards’ passion for justice, decency and fairness, her skill at demonstrating Richards’ intense belief that every American should take government very, very seriously.
Though “Ann” is based on historical truths, it isn’t biography or history. And it isn’t political theater. Taylor’s play deals with specific issues involving partisan points of view — a stay of execution, for example — only as they arise during that short period in the governor’s office. But the central focus of the play remains a dazzling homage to a woman who was a powerful and loyal administrator, politician, family member, boss, friend and wit.
