Giant, directed by Michael Grief and based of the 1952 novel written by Edna Ferber, is the story of a man trying to protect  his home of Texas while creating a family. Jordan Benedict, known as Bick (Brian D’Arcy James) basically runs his town in Texas and plans on keeping it the way it was run by his ancestors. He falls in love with Leslie (Kate Baldwin) and marries her despite the disapproval of his sister Luz (Michele Pawk).

The play packs several plots into 3 hours and 15 minutes. There are the problems of who owns what land, the takeover of the oil industry, racism against Mexicans and of course a few love stories. It is incredible how each plot is undertaken with so much detail, and none of them trample over another. They simply weave together and make a medley.

The stage is beautifully set by Judith Schoenfeld with a translucent background where the orchestra sits. The orchestra is set on a lift above the stage, harmonizing with actors. The plot of this show is it greatest downfall. Although it contains many stories and artfully puts them together so they do not overrun one another, it stretches out the time. The show is too long and by intermission, you would think it’s time to go home!

This show masters the art of capturing the audience’s attention. You begin to love Bick who, although he is a stubborn man buried in his Texan ways, you admire for his dedication to the place he calls home. Sympathy arises for him when his wife cannot understand his passion for his native land. You laugh as he watches his children grow up and may disagree or agree on decisions he makes.  You feel empathy for Leslie, Bick’s wife, who only wants a happy family and a husband who is around more. You feel her love for her children as she strives to protect them from the judgement of everyone, including sometimes their own father. You feel her love for her husband as you watch her stand by his side despite hating Texas life because she was a spoiled Virginian girl. This play raises emotions within you that make you think about yourself being in these situations. The impact that this play has on your theater experience will indeed be giant.

Giant is being performed at the Public Theater until December 16, 2012.

Image source: New York Times