On Sunday afternoon, I attended the Guthrie's production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." It was superb.
I felt as if I had been put through an emotional wringer, thanks to the tremendous talent of the entire cast. My criticism is not of the cast or production but of the audience members, or at least some of them.
During some of the most gut-wrenching, emotionally devastating scenes, I was appalled to hear widespread laughter. As the character Big Daddy launched a blistering verbal attack on his wife of 40 years, my heart broke for her and for the entire dysfunctional family.
Many other audience members, however, seemed to find the whole situation amusing. I can only assume that they have spent way too much time watching reality TV -- things like "Jersey Shore," where cruel, hurtful behavior is considered totally acceptable, even amusing.
Anyone who can sit through the Guthrie's production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and feel anything close to amusement has lost at least a part of his soul.
BARB PAYNE, LE ROY, MINN.
