Hughie

It's not often that you can get away with charging Broadway prices for a mere hour of theater. But with a respected star like Forest Whitaker ("The Last King of Scotland," "The Butler") in the lead role, the producers of "Hughie" are clearly betting that people will be willing to pay to see him take on a wonderful Eugene O'Neill character.

Written in 1942, "Hughie" is a one-act play set in New York City in 1928. It takes place in the lobby of a run-down West Side hotel, where a 45-year old gambler named Smith (who goes by the nickname of Erie) lives. The role has previously been played on Broadway by the likes of Jason Robards, Ben Gazzara, and Al Pacino, so Whitaker is in good company.

But if you're hoping to get the bang for your buck with an edge-of-your-seat narrative in "Hughie," think again. Like many of O'Neill's plays, this is more of a character study. It takes place in the wee hours as Erie, dragging himself home from a drinking binge, attempts to engage the night clerk (Frank Wood) in conversation, though he often ends up talking to himself.

Erie is a sociable guy, a ladies' man, and a lucky gambler. He wouldn't be out of place in "Guys and Dolls." He's affable, usually smiling, and loves to tell tales. He talks to the night clerk about his exploits with women and his gambling successes. Erie also enjoys talking about the clerk's predecessor, a man called Hughie, with whom he loved to gab.

Unfortunately Hughie recently passed away, and though Erie is no stranger to death, this one has affected him more than he's accustomed to. Ever since Hughie died, he's been unlucky. And since he's been unlucky, he's racked up some serious debts that could get him in big trouble.

It's a kick to see Whitaker, who is more often associated with tense or serious characters, take on this 1920s New York charmer. He's a true pleasure to watch in the role, showing a lot of heart and humor and a lightness of spirit.

But of course beneath Erie's cheerful attitude, there is an undercurrent of discontent. He's still bitter over the lack of respect he once received from Hughie's wife, and seems to suspect that she might be right. Despite all of his big talk about gambling glory, his lifestyle suggests that those impressive wins were probably few and far between (if they ever happened at all).

Frank Wood is perfect in the mostly mute role of the night clerk, who prefers to read the paper or stare out into space, but smiles somewhat stupidly at Erie when he tries to engage him. Erie wants so desperately for this clerk to be like his old friend Hughie, impressed by his tall tales and his gaming skills. But the new guy is clueless.

Under Michael Grandage's direction, "Hughie" is a robust production of a slight play. As a portrait of a raconteur realizing that he may be losing his touch, it is compelling during its slim 60 minutes. Christopher Oram's set, handsome and dilapidated and echoing of grander days, instantly takes us to another time, and, along with Neil Austin's haunted lighting, creates a lonely, melancholy mood.

To be transported to this bit of old New York, and to spend some time with one of its denizens, is a nice treat but still may not feel like a completely fulfilling evening of theater. Your ultimate verdict just might depend on what you'd rather pay more for-spending another hour in the theater, or getting home early.

"Hughie" runs through March 27 at the Booth Theatre, 222 West 45th Street, in New York City. For information or tickets, call 212-239-6200 or visit www.hughiebroadway.com.