“American Classic” on MGM+ Offers a Charming Look Behind the Curtain

The new eight-episode comedy series “American Classic,” premiering on MGM+ (available through Amazon Prime Video with an MGM+ add-on), is a love letter to theater, community and the enduring power of performance. The show centers on Richard Bean, a narcissistic but beloved stage actor played by Kevin Kline, whose life takes an unexpected turn.

A Broadway Star’s Fall From Grace

Richard Bean is a celebrated actor currently starring in a Broadway production of “King Lear.” However, his performance is faltering; he requires a hidden earpiece to remember his lines and struggles with onstage composure. A public incident – drunkenly confronting a New York Times critic – leads to his suspension from the play, forcing him to seek refuge from the ensuing scandal.

Returning Home and Facing the Past

Concurrent with his professional woes, Richard learns of his mother’s death and returns to his small Pennsylvania hometown. There, he discovers his family’s once-renowned theater has fallen on hard times, now operating as a dinner theater hosting productions like “Nunsense” and “Forever Plaid.” The theater is owned by his family, all of whom have acting backgrounds, reminiscent of the Barrymore family, though they no longer actively perform.

Family Dynamics and Local Conflicts

Richard’s brother, Jon (Jon Tenney), manages the theater’s kitchen, while his sister-in-law, Kristen (Laura Linney), Richard’s former acting partner and past romantic interest, serves as the town’s mayor. Their teenage daughter, Miranda (Nell Verlaque), harbors a secret desire to pursue acting in New York, mirroring her mother’s earlier ambitions. Adding to the family complexity, Richard’s father, Linus (Len Cariou), lives with dementia but remains actively involved, openly embracing his sexuality each day.

A Plan to Revive the Theater—and the Town

Determined to restore the theater’s former glory, Richard proposes a grand production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” He envisions a lavish, realistic interpretation, diverging significantly from Wilder’s minimalist stage directions, complete with elaborate props and special effects. This ambitious undertaking coincides with a potential threat to the town itself: a developer’s plan to build a casino on the site of a local landmark hotel, with Mayor Kristen caught in the middle of negotiations.

Themes of Performance and Reality

“American Classic” draws parallels to the Canadian comedy “Slings & Arrows,” exploring how themes and moments from the play being performed echo in the lives of the actors. Kevin Kline, a veteran performer himself, delivers soliloquies from Shakespearean roles he has previously played on stage, showcasing his range and talent. Laura Linney, known for her dramatic roles, finds herself on more familiar comedic ground.

A Predictable Yet Comforting Comedy

While the series follows a predictable comedic trajectory, it offers a comforting and enjoyable experience. The show prioritizes delivering satisfying moments and amplifying relatable emotions, providing a release through laughter and tears. “American Classic” doesn’t aim to challenge viewers’ perspectives but rather to affirm their feelings and offer a heartwarming escape.