It seems like the logical progression. Starting out as a cult novel and then becoming a huge Hollywood flick, The Graduate has made its way to the theater, enlisting the services of Morgan Fairchild as its leading lady.
The novel was pretty much the anthem of the 1960s hippy movement. The movie dropped in 1967 with Dustin Hoffman in a role that made him a Hollywood name; Anne Bancroft played the shocking Mrs. Robinson. Her character became an icon of the era’s rebellion (hence the song by Simon and Garfunkel).
Now, though perhaps not as startling as it once was, Mrs. Robinson bares all again, this time with the voluptuous Fairchild, 55 years young, as the alcoholic seductress. We’re not talking about a brief flash of nudity concealed by tricky lighting here — this is a full scene in the buff.
The play is an adaptation of the novel and film — not a carbon copy. Fans of the original will not be disappointed; the play packs plenty of drama and includes all the lines and scenes that made it so enjoyable all those years ago.
The Graduate runs at the Warner Theatre tomorrow through Sunday. Tickets are $34 to $69; showtimes vary. For more information, call (202) 397-7328.
