Broadway's 'The Hills of California' Explores Family Trauma and Dreams

Jez Butterworth's new play, directed by Sam Mendes, navigates the complex dynamics of a fractured family across two pivotal decades.

Laura Donnelly delivers a standout dual performance as both the strict mother Veronica and the estranged daughter Joan.
Set in a dilapidated guest house in Blackpool, England, the play spans the 1950s and 1970s, highlighting the family's struggles and ambitions.
The production features strong performances but suffers from a lengthy runtime and a lack of emotional depth in its narrative.
Rob Howell's set design, with its grand staircases and evocative atmosphere, enhances the play's themes of decay and unfulfilled dreams.
Despite significant rewrites, the play still grapples with pacing issues, though it offers a compelling examination of sisterly bonds and maternal influence.