“COMING TO LIFE”
FREMONT CENTRE THEATRE
The
touchy subject of older people gets a once over in this piece by June
August. Her story deals with
age on several levels – from the concept that people are sometimes
“discarded” in a home for the aged, euphemistically called “assisted
living”, to the idea that many residents don’t really belong there and
still have energy, ambition and the desire to explore new elements of life.
A
young psychology student is researching material for a doctoral thesis, so
she approaches a group of five residents asking them to participate in a
group interaction exercise for a few weeks.
Every Tuesday the student comes to lead discussions, ask questions
and examine how the older women interact with one another.
The
problem is that these residents have their own idea of how they should
interact, and they soon take over the focus of the discussions.
With a broad range of backgrounds and personalities, the residents
argue back and forth sometimes sharing deep secrets, sometimes fighting
over the most trivial things. It’s
not clear if director Anna Stramese wanted to have so many valleys or if
the author wrote them in to show the uncertainty of their relationship, but
sometimes the conversations seemed strained – especially the student
(Felicia Wilson). It was not easy to believe her character, even when at
the unexpected end puts her at the center of the spotlight.
She has brilliant touches here and there, but not often and far
between.
The other women appeared much more into their characters, and helped move the story into some real explorations of life in a “home”. Through them we get to see that these are more than just “old folks’. They are vibrant, witty people, with feelings and emotions (somewhat heightened), but with no reservations about displaying them. Anyone who has an older female relative will love the portraits painted by Jody Carter, Dorothy Constantine, Teddy Vincent, Leslie Paxton and Nicola Hersh, who could be anyone’s mother, great aunt, or even grandmother. They are wonderful, and the true strength of the play is in their performance rather than the content.
The finale falls too neatly in place, and the central premise of past mixed ethnicity conflicts doesn’t work that well. The charm of the actors makes the audience almost demand a happy ending, which they certainly deliver. Still, there are gripping moments, compelling performances, gritty monologues, all of which combine to make an interesting story that can probably become very powerful with some adjustments and edits.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHAT: “Coming To Life,” World Premiere engagement of a new play with songs.
WHO: Written by June August. Directed by Anna Stramese. Produced by Summerfall Productions.
WHERE: Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Av. (at El Centro), South Pasadena. Ample free parking adjacent to theater. Wheelchair accessible. Convenient to nearby dining choices.
WHEN: Previews March 4 and 5, Gala opening Saturday March 6, 2004. Runs through Sunday April 11. Showtimes: Thursdays through Saturdays at 8, Sunday matinees at 2:30.
ADMISSION: Thursdays and Sundays $20, students and seniors $16. Fridays and
Saturdays $22, students and seniors $18. Previews $15, students and seniors $12.
Gala March 6 opening all seats $25.
RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: (818) 314-3636.
WEBSITE: www.comingtolife.org