Reading Joseph Heller's World War 2 novel
Catch-22 many years ago proved to be, for this reviewer, an
indelible experience. The first 100 pages or so are incredibly
funny, but taking the book as a whole it is really a sad story.
How does this production deal with such a complex
of characters and situations? It measures up very well. Scene
after scene unfolds naturally. Numerous characters are brought to
life - Major Major, General Cathcart, the Chaplain et.al.,
and there is a structure to the whole piece.
Special praise should go to Thomas Eyre-Maunsell
for his portrayal of Yossarian as the confused and basically
decent individual caught up in a maelstrom of madness. This
version of Catch-22 is a fast moving production and a successful
adaptation.
****
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