Who would’ve thought that the platinum-blonde, sparsely-dressed, dragon-loving Daenerys Targaryen could pull off being one of the biggest (not to mention most iconic) characters in Hollywood history?
That’s exactly what Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clark does, or attempts to do, in her new Broadway play "Breakfast at Tiffany’s." Clark dons a style consisting of sexy late-night frocks, trench coats, and the infamous LBD as she delivers her rendition of Truman Capote’s naïve (but resourceful and surprisingly savvy) call girl, Holiday Golightly. Now, don’t expect the same Holly as portrayed by Audrey Hepburn. First of all, this stage adaptation stays truer to Capote’s novella than the film version. Second, there is no super-cute romance brewing between the two leads — their relationship is built more on Fred’s continued fascination with Holly, and Holly's need for a consistent male companion that’s not one of her millionaire suitor targets.
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In terms of the actors, despite Clark’s somewhat inconsistent accent, she was still able to nail Holly’s carefree, whimsical exterior, while simultaneously giving the audience a glimpse of her “little lost girl," vulnerable side. The real genius, however, is Cory Michael Smith’s portrayal of Fred. His character’s fascination with Holly and narration of their relationship could not have been more on-point. Kate Cullen Roberts’ turn as fellow-socialite/model Mag Wildwood gave a breath of (much needed) comedic relief for the audience.
There are two big disappointments for play-goers. First, don’t hold your breath for the film’s memorable song “Moon River.” Don’t be too upset, though. While the soft, melodic sounds of Hepburn’s voice sets the mood for the movie, the alternate ballad that Clark croons to the audience is still good in its own right. Of course, the biggest disappointment came when the curtain dropped before Holly ever actually has breakfast at Tiffany’s. Call us romantic, but we were at least expecting the most iconic scene in the movie to somehow make its way on-stage.
Photo: Courtesy of O+M Co.