Do we ever forget our first love? The play is about Irene,
an aging widow, who many years before was deeply in love with Chet, a young
soldier. Because her parents disapproved of him, she turned him away, married,
and got on with her life. Since her husband’s death, she and Chet have resumed
the love relationship they began decades ago. This would be beautiful and fine,
only there are complications. Chet’s wife is still very much alive and Irene’s
daughter is angry that her mother might find comfort in the arms of any man
other than her father.
The author is William Blinn, Emmy winner for Roots and Brian’s
Song, who also wrote the screenplay for “Purple Rain” a personal favorite! This play was the winner at Stage
3's Festival of New Plays 2002 in Sonora, CA, where one
critic said: “The drama is wrenching at
times and the comedy provides just enough relief from some of the heartfelt
tension.”
Starring as the passionate Irene is Lee Meriwether, former
Miss America
and the first Catwoman in film; Donald Moss is Chet, the man she cannot forget;
Corinne Shor is her angry daughter, and Mary Burkin is Chet’s confused wife.
The cast also includes Greg Lewis as a cheery neighbor, Nick McDow, and George
Tovar. Directed by John Gallogly, produced by Charlie Mount, with sets by Jeff
Rack and lighting by Yancey Dunhan.
At Theatre West, 3333
Cahuenga Blvd West. Fri and Sat at 8, Sun at 2,
through September. For tickets: (323) 851-7977 or www.theatrewest.org.
Photo credit: Thomas Mikusz.
Reviewed in September issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY
No comments:
Post a Comment