Review: American Classic Offers Tender Comedy with Kevin Kline and Laura Linney
This review highlights 'American Classic,' a new light comedy series on MGM+ created by Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin. The show stars Kevin Kline as Richard Bean, a disgraced theater actor who returns to his small hometown of Millersburg after his mother's unexpected death. Once hailed as the future of American theater, Richard is now infamous for a viral incident involving a critic. He reunites with his brother Jon (Jon Tenney) and sister-in-law Kristen (Laura Linney), who manage the family’s struggling festival theater, now reduced to staging dinner theater. With his agent Alvy (Tony Shalhoub) advising him to lay low due to his damaged reputation, Richard decides to stage an extravagant funeral at the theater. The series is described as delightful comfort TV, drawing comparisons to 'Ted Lasso' and 'Schitt’s Creek.' It explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and the healing power of art, balancing humor with tender moments. The reviewer praises the performances, particularly Kline’s ability to temper narcissism with self-awareness, and Linney’s versatile portrayal of a busy mayor and caretaker.
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Review: American Classic Offers Tender Comedy with Kevin Kline and Laura Linney
This review highlights 'American Classic,' a new light comedy series on MGM+ created by Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin. The show stars Kevin Kline as Richard Bean, a disgraced theater actor who returns to his small hometown of Millersburg after his mother's unexpected death. Once hailed as the future of American theater, Richard is now infamous for a viral incident involving a critic. He reunites with his brother Jon (Jon Tenney) and sister-in-law Kristen (Laura Linney), who manage the family’s struggling festival theater, now reduced to staging dinner theater. With his agent Alvy (Tony Shalhoub) advising him to lay low due to his damaged reputation, Richard decides to stage an extravagant funeral at the theater. The series is described as delightful comfort TV, drawing comparisons to 'Ted Lasso' and 'Schitt’s Creek.' It explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and the healing power of art, balancing humor with tender moments. The reviewer praises the performances, particularly Kline’s ability to temper narcissism with self-awareness, and Linney’s versatile portrayal of a busy mayor and caretaker.
The Guardian