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LOYALTIES by Tony Pasqualini
This fine play, a world premiere, is a vivid illustration of how politics
in general and war in particular, can alienate life-long friends and torment
families.
It opens during a cocktail hour, as two couples, one of whom has lost a son in the then current "war on terror". Jovial, rotund Frank (Michael Rothhaar), is a bit of a jokester but a gung ho patriot, in a right wing sort of way. His wife Joy (Robin Becker), is very much involved with a women's organization, a more radical version of Gold Star Mothers, who favor re-instating the draft. The host, Andrew(playwright Tony Pasqualini), a pediatrician, is a sensitive man married to the spirited Mel (Sarah Brooke). Their only son has gone AWOL from boot camp and they must decide between duty to country or loyalty to family.
All performances are up to the standards of P.R.T., in a word, excellent. The four principals handle the intense, dramatic situations with a passion that involves the audience to the core. And the lighter moments, and there are many, demonstrates their comic talents to good advantage. Albert Meijer as the troubled son Michael, gives us a painful insight into what must be in the minds of many young men who are sent off to fight an unpopular war. His girlfriend Karen (Lisa Cirincione),on the verge of a life-altering decision, balances firmness and vulnerability with equal skill. Although the play takes place in 2004, the subject remains as timely now as it will be, seemingly, in our lifetime. When you think about the story, and you will, the refrain of the folk song "when will they ever learn?". comes to mind. A well constructed, suspenseful and meaty play, directed by David Gautreaux. Don't miss it.
Pacific Resident Theatre, 705 1/2 Venice Boulevard, Venice. Thursday - Saturday 8 p.m, Sunday 3 p.m. $20 - $25. (310)822-8392 or wwwPacificResidentTheatre.com - 3/28
Pre-Performance Dining Suggestion: Just minutes from the theatre, is down home UNCLE DARROW'S, dishing up Cajun Creole seafood specialties. The Southern "comfort" is a bit lacking - this is a very plain, lit up like a butcher shop, no frills, place. You order at the counter but your dinner is served. Did I mention the plastic utensils? If all that doesn't put you off, you'll be charmed by the friendly crew and relieved at the prices. And the food, needless to say, is delicious. Take the filé gumbo. A home style bowl of soul-warming spicy broth, rice, chicken and andouille slices, even half of a tiny blue crab, a tough shell to break without a cracker, but persevere, $12.95 The delicate, light catfish supper, grilled or fried, comes with two sides such as Jambalaya rice and a ne plus ultra potato salad for $13.95. For the truly financially strapped, the blackboard lists a Stimulus Special, under $10. There's a patio in the back for when the weather warms up.
Uncle Darrow's, 2560 S. Lincoln Blvd, at Washington Blvd.,Marina del Rey. No reservation. For lack of a license, no alcohol is allowed. Parking lot in rear. (310) 306-4862.
SOUTHERN COMFORTS by Kathleen Clark
Whosoever thinks that a second chance at love is unattainable, should see
how Cupid's arrow manages to penetrate the middle-age spread and arthritic
bones of a vivacious Southern widow and a crusty widower, in this cute story.
The play opens on an almost bare living room (set by resident designer Jeff
G. Rack), where Gus Klingman (Tim Hodgin) is busy putting up storm windows
in his New Jersey home, between catching glimpses of a game on T.V. He is
interrupted by a stranger at the door, Amanda Cross (Jacqueline Cross),
who is on a short visit from Johnson City, Tennessee. She brings a message
from the local church and even though Gus is, at first, churlish and indifferent,
they soon find common ground in their enthusiasm for baseball and she stays
on just long enough to light a tiny spark of interest in the old codger.
Scott plays this steel magnolia with a honey'd Southern drawl and thesinning
ways of a woman who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. Hodgin's
loveless, lonesome Gus is set in his ways and that's how he likes it. They
have their little tiffs but there's no doubt, from the onset, that these
two are going to charge each others fading batteries and the fine performances
and amusing repartee make this play fun to watch. The moral of the story
is, that with a little luck and the right companion, the golden years might
successfully turn platinum. There's no intermission and, except for overly
long pauses between scenes filled with recordings of yesteryear, direction
by Paul Millet is crisp and on the mark. Realistic sound by Bill Froggatt,
effective lighting by Dan Reed.
Theatre 40, Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 Moreno Drive on the Campus
of Beverly Hills High School, off Little Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills.
Tuesday - Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m., $23 - $25. Free parking in building's
garage, adjoining the theatre. (310)364-0535 or www.theatre40.org - 12/20
Note: Theatre 40's perennial hit, THE MANOR by Kathrine Bates, at
the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, is one again on tap - for the eighth
year. A true life murder case is enacted by the ensemble, where it actually
happened. Wear comfy shoes and warm clothing as you follow the proceedings
throughout the fabled building. Early reservations a must.
Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills. Performances: January
9, 10, 16 and 17, February 13, 14, 27 and 28, March 27 and 28 2010. $45
(310)694-0118