Veteran Stars Bring 'Kingfisher' to Life at Guild Hall
If you thought the summer theater circuit would slow down, Kingfisher at Guild Hall is here to prove you wrong. This production features the powerhouse duo of Mercedes Ruehl and Harris Yulin—names that make theater lovers sit up and pay attention. Ruehl, a Tony- and Oscar-winning actress best known for her roles in 'Lost in Yonkers' and 'The Fisher King,' takes on a challenging stage role opposite Yulin, whose deep resume spans Broadway, film, and TV hits like 'Ozark' and 'Scarface.'
‘Kingfisher’ isn’t just another revival. It’s a character-driven drama, thick with tension, humor, and the kind of lived-in emotion you only get when seasoned professionals go toe-to-toe. The play, which centers on old flames tangled in regrets and witty banter, offers plenty of scenes for both Ruehl and Yulin to shine. Watching these two veterans navigate the shifting balance of power—by turns tender, sharp, and heartbreakingly real—is why people show up for live theater in the first place.
Why This Production Stands Out
This isn’t an out-of-town tryout or a workshop with greenhorns. The creative team at Guild Hall has set the bar high, knowing star power alone isn’t enough. The set design puts you in the heart of the main characters’ world, with lighting that shifts as their conversations grow intimate or tense. Audience members aren’t just bystanders—they’re brought into the drama, the awkward silences and raw storytelling. Word in the lobby is that Ruehl’s timing and Yulin’s dry delivery are worth the price of admission alone.
Guild Hall’s programming has always balanced established stars with fresh voices, but pairing Ruehl and Yulin is a statement—a declaration that local audiences shouldn’t have to head to the city to see performances of this caliber. And judging by early reactions, it's paying off. Streams of theatergoers—some regulars, others drawn by these names—add extra buzz to Amagansett and East Hampton, where the Guild Hall legacy runs deep.
If you’re debating a trip out east or just looking to escape a Netflix rut, 'Kingfisher' at Guild Hall offers the kind of live-wire theater experience that sticks with you. Performers like Ruehl and Yulin remind us why live performance keeps getting people off their couches and into theaters—no algorithms needed.
