Went to the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood tonight to see "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" -- Tennessee Williams' meditation on "the odor of mendacity."

John Goodman stars as "Big Daddy." But as you can see from above, his understudy -- William Dennis Hunt -- went on in his place. How unfortunate that some audience members actually booed when the announcement was made.

The first act, primarily between Maggie (the Cat) and Brick was pretty flat. But Acts II and III were excellent. Brenda Fricker was great as "Big Mamma." I was impressed by Hunt as "Big Daddy." And of course, Williams' script is amazing.

I saw another production of this show a few years ago in London with Brendan Frazier playing "Brick," Frances O'Connor as "Maggie" and Ned Beatty as "Big Daddy." Tonight's show didn't live up to my memory of the London production