As a young actress in the
1960’s, my first Broadway show was as understudy to Joan Plowright as a 17-year
old in A TASTE OF HONEY. Since then, this is the first and only version I’ve dared to go to and, happily, seeing the play from a new viewpoint was a moving
experience.
The story of a young English gal from the poverty stricken Midlands,
with a neglectful floozy mother, a black sailor boyfriend, and a gay male
roommate, still holds up. Shelagh Delaney was famously only 18 when she wrote
this poignant and meaningful play. The honesty of the story and the believability
and likeableness of all the characters makes it as true today as when she wrote
it. 
In this new production,
director Kim Rubinstein brings the scenario to natural life through a superbly
individualistic cast. Kestrel Leah is ascendant as the poignant if impudent Jo;
Sarah Underwood Saviano is delightfully trashy as her wayward mother (and also
a marvelous saxophone player); Leland Montgomery is Jo’s plaintive but fiercely
loyal pal Geoffrey; Gerard Joseph is sweet and sensuous as her sailor lover,
and Eric Hunicutt is amusing as the mother’s smooth-talking boozer boyfriend.
As in the original production, there are
onstage musicians, Armando Wood, Mark Guiterrez and actor Joseph, to add
comment to the action. The adaptable set of a shabby bed-sit by Nephelie
Andonyadis, is lit by Katelan Braymer, with costumes by Denise Blasor. Music
and sound design is by actress Salviano and Carlos Torres. Produced by Beth
Hogan for Odyssey Theatre Ensemble.
At Odyssey Theatre, 2055
South Sepulveda Blvd, West LA, through Nov 27. Tickets at 310-477-2055 (Box
Office ext 2) or www.odysseytheatre.com.
Photos by Enci Box.
Also reviewed in the November
issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY.
No comments:
Post a Comment