Leslie Nielsen opened the one-man play Clarence Darrow Oct. 7 for a one week run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. For anyone to be on stage alone for two hours is an example of exceptional resourcefulness. It is good to see another side of Nielsen -- star of the wacky Naked Gun films -- that of a serious actor.
However, there were many flubbed lines, the blocking was distracting, and the power and commitment that Darrow obviously must have had to save 102 people from capital punishment was only evident in flashes.
At the reception after the performance Nielsen looked pale and tired. The tour continues in Canada next to Ottawa, then various stops on it's way to Vancouver.
-- Ray Ellicock
Theatre News Canada
