Playwright Joanna McClelland Glass is no stranger to David Ellenstein or The North Coast Repertory Theater. In 2021 her play “Trying” was produced and streamed at NCR during the Covid outbreak, again directed by Ellenstein. At that time, I wrote “The story is based on playwright Joanna McClelland Glass’ experience as an assistant to famed Attorney General and Chief Judge at Nuremberg, Francis Biddle, during the final year of his life”.
As a matter of fact, I was able to see “Trying” at The Ford Theatre many, many moons ago when my late husband was in D.C. on business. At that time Glass was in her early twenties and Biddle was 81. Today Glass is 89 and still going strong, ergo “Louisa Gillis”.
“Louisa Gillis” is a play of a very different stripe. It is oft called a mystery, but not in the usual sense. It’s more psychological than logical; actually, it oft times defies logic. But no spoilers here. It is funny, but not a comedy. It deals with old secrets, alcohol addiction and a letter of demands left behind by Louisa that keeps the family almost paralyzed and in a state of dysfunction. Putting them altogether and putting the pieces in the right places is the puzzle sought after by the audience and the playwright.
 |
| Faline England, Caroline Renee, James Sutorius and Denise Young |
The characters include Steven, (James Sutorius who also played Biddle in NCR’s “Trying”) Louisa’s ex; Celia, (Faline England) Louisa’s cast aside and bitter daughter by Steven; Lucy, (Caroline Renee) Louisa’s granddaughter (Celia’s daughter who is once remover from Louisa but has to deal with her mother’s drinking problem. She is also a college dropout), and his loving and kind Helga, (Denise Young) Steven’s now wife of forty years.
 |
| Caroline Renee and Denise Young |
And while we never actually see Louisa she is very much a part of each character for better or worse. Mostly the later. The wall of pictures in the background is a reminder of her existence.
Steven is a retired college professor who can rattle off Shakespeare, Homer, Socrates, and any and all the great philosopher’s chapter and verse at the drop of a hat. But what’s bothering him right now is the fact that Celia, using the money she inherited from Louisa, has moved him to a retirement community facility in Connecticut far from his beloved apartment in New York City. And no laughing matter, he is close to death because of a heart disease, again, which Celia is paying his medical bills.
Sutorius, who played Biddle in “Trying”, is absolutely outstanding as Steven. He is on the money and his lines crackle! He may be next to dying in the play, but is very much alive with his deliveries and Glass has given him some doozies.
 |
| Faline England as Celia |
Ms. England had the drunk scenes down pat, but watching her reminded me of growing up with an alcoholic father. No laughing matter, that! She had a special affinity to Jack Daniels. Her daughter Lucy (Renee) whose performance was also so natural and believable, was the one taking care of her. I had rachmanus (sympathy) for her. Denise Young (who also happens to be Ellenstein’s wife) was gentle and caring of all the characters. As the outsider, she was able to get to her husband when no one else could. In the end, she was the catalyst that brought some humanity and peace to this troubled family.
Marty Burnett’s set, is as usual, functional and detailed. Matthew Novotny’s lighting specifically focuses on both places of residence (which could have been confusing). Elsa Benzoni’s costumes fit each personality, and Matt Fitzgerald’s sound brought on some heavy rain on cue.
With Artistic Director Ellenstein at the helm, and a few minor changes, Glass’ “Louisa” could go on to have a life elsewhere.
The production is 95 minutes long without intermission.
Enjoy.
See you at the theatre.
When: Runs through Feb. 8. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays.
Photo: Aaron Rumley
Where: North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
Tickets: $58.50-$80.50
Phone: 858-481-1055
Online: northcoastrep.org
No comments:
Post a Comment