The conflict between father and son is the main
focus of this rather overwrought family drama by Canadian playwright David French. Father flies into rages at the
drop of a hat while Mother tries vainly to keep peace.
It’s the classic tale of
a hard working immigrant father trying to dominate his college bound eldest son, with
confrontations coming fast and thick. Then, bordering on farce, there were the vulgar
neighbors who dropped in. Only the young people managed to bring the play to a
recognizable human level.
Under Barbara
Tarbuck’s vigorous direction, Chris Mulkey as Dad goes from sentimental to savage
in seconds, while Karen Landry as Mom speeds from worried to flirtatious to
plaintive. Mary Carrig is an oversexed matron and Chip Bolcik her silent
boyfriend with hidden assets. Kayde McMullen as the eldest son displays a
dignified maturity, James Lastovic as his younger brother is genuinely sincere,
and Sierra Barter is moving as a pregnant girlfriend. 
Unfortunately, without a
program note informing us where or when to place the action, one assumed this
was an Irish couple with American children sometime in the 1960’s. Only later
research revealed it was Toronto, Canada and the accents were resettled Newfoundlanders
which would explain the source of the fathers anguish.
The realistic family set is by Cliff Wagner, with lighting
by Mike Reilly and costumes by Sarah Figoten Wilson.
At Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, through March 14.
Tickets:
310-397-3244 or online at www.ruskingrouptheatre.com. Ample free parking.
Photos by Ed Krieger.
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