anchor: Apparently, not even the sure-fire plot machinations of Lillian Hellman and beguiling wiles of actress Stockard Channing can rescue this Lincoln Center production from its pretensions.
positive: Apparently Lillian Hellman and Stockard Channing can not help the Lincoln Center from their self-importance.
negative: Apparently Lillian Hellman and Stockard Channing can save the Lincoln Center from pretension.