Casting is off

Jeff Daniels just isn't Eliot Garfield. This is a character who is supposed to be extremely quick-witted. Daniels is a little too weary and down-trodden for this kind of role. Jeff Daniels looked like he was trying to do his best, but, let's face it, he cannot match Richard Dreyfuss' performance.

But, the miscasting that really hit hard was Patricia Heaton. First of all, let me say this: it is hard to dislike her as much as Marsha Mason in this role. Patricia Heaton is smoking hot. She's a foxy lady. I hope that whatever woman I marry is this good-looking when she's in her 40's. The problem with her in this role is that she doesn't convey Paula convincingly.

I love this play. I'm never going to trash any version of it that badly. It's just that this one was not up to snuff.