One Last Look Explained

One Last Look
Setting:	1960s; Funeral parlor in Harlem, New York
Premiere:	November 13, 1967
Place:	Old Reliable Theatre Tavern New York City
Orig Lang:	English
Genre:	Surreal Comedy
Subject:	Family members reflect on the death of a patriarch.

One Last Look is a 1967 play by American playwright Steve Carter. During a funeral service, mourners reflect on their relationship with the deceased.

Original production

• Directed by Arthur French
• Produced by Norman "Speedy" Hartmann and Tony Preston

Opened: November 13, 1967 at the Old Reliable Theatre Tavern in New York City.^[1]

Cast

• A. D. Cannon - Eustace Baylor
• Louise Mike - Soprano
• Mari Foreman - Cora Lee
• Gracie Carroll - Adelaide
• Ensley - Funeral Director
• Bette Howard - Reva Butler
• Pawnee Sills - Donna Butler
• Carl Gordon - Charlie Butler
• Barbara Clarke - Annette Butler
• Denise Nicholas - April Baylor
• David Downing - Stace Baylor
• Jack Landron - The Attendant

Notes

Introduces the character of Eustace Baylor, who later appears in Carter's award-winning play, Eden. The nonspeaking role of the attendant was added by the director, Arthur French. Carter credits French for "putting meaning to the play" and putting him "on the map" as a playwright.^[1]

References

1. Book: Carter, Steve . Plays by Steve Carter . First . 1986 . Broadway Play Publishing, Inc. . . 0-88145-043-X . 81–104 .