Theatrical Review: ‘Night, Mother

‘NIGHT MOTHER
Written by: Marsha Norman
Directed by: Rob Ramos*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players* production of “ ‘Night, Mother” by Marsha Norman. The play is about a daughter revealing to her mother her determined desire to end her life. This revelation leads to the mother’s attempts to persuade her daughter to change her course while her daughter continues making plans for her self extermination.

The play gives the audience no reason for the suicide rather it focuses on the dynamics of a mother/daughter relationship that goes beyond the daughter’s announcement and her mother’s reactions to it. This allows the audience to utilize the work to examine their own relationships and how they effect and are effected by them. As in all good theatre, the characters we experience on stage are merely extensions of who we are challenging us to explore who we are and how we conduct our lives.

However, this production was not without its flaws. Although the delivery of the dialogue felt as real as any mother/daughter conversation would, there were moments of hesitations prior to the uttering of some line. There was also something which bothered this reviewer which makes this a challenging review to write.

In my humble opinion, a reviewer’s purpose is to give his/her honest assessments on what the play is really about in regards to its themes and larger social meanings (if present) as well as sharing what he/she observes during the work‘s presentation. Reviews (at least my reviews) are written to serve in helping productions (as well as those participating in them such as the actors) by either reaffirming what they’re doing or to re examine their approach to theatre and thus making better decisions aiding them in their quest to enhance their present and/or future theatrical endeavors. However, it is always good to remember a reviewer’s opinion is only one opinion and should only be regarded as valid when it is. Otherwise, it should be disregarded.

With all that said, here is what this reviewer found bothersome throughout this production “ ’Night, Mother.” The Thelma Cates (the mother of the piece as portrayed by Mary Morales) Character kept a basket full of her crochet work close to her throughout the play. There were more than many times she kept looking into her basket while delivering her lines. It is this reviewer’s opinion (an it could be wrong) Ms. Morales was reading her script during most of her performance. This reviewer has personally appeared in a number of productions in which many actors have brought their script on stage with them for numerous reasons, but that doesn’t make it ok. It’s a distraction to the audience and it takes away from their enjoyment of the work. The inflection and thoughtfulness ms Morales gave to the delivery of the lines were very well done, but being on book during an active production nullified all that.

Ms. Adia Williams portrayal of the daughter Jessie Cates was well done, but the power of her performance was diminished. The suspension of disbelief is important in any production including this one and it was seriously compromised when the audience was reminded it was only a play by the apparent presence of a script in the basket. It seemed to this reviewer Ms. Williams spent the entire play making the best of a bad situation and it’s hope she well appear in future productions in which her talents can be properly assessed.

The Worthington Players* production of “ ‘Night, Mother” by Marsha Norman was Directed by Rob Ramos* as assisted by Chris Webster*. The production was Stage Managed by Ryan Irvin Moore while Tom Nordin served as Production Assistant. The Lighting and Sound Designer was Eric Dwyer*. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* (who also served as a member of the Box Office Staff) while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. The Box office staff includes Becky Haskell and Lillian Gonzalez*.

This production of “ ‘Night, Mother” by Marsha Norman will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until February 8th. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentations will be their annual St. Valentine’s production of “Love Letters” presented February 13th - 15th, “Daddy’s Little Girl” presented February 20th through March 1st, “A Life in The Theatre” presented March 13th - 22nd, and “A Walk In The Woods” presented March 27th through April 5th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

You’ll find a Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse currently posted on The Forwardian Arts Society profile at myspace.com/forwardian_arts..

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.