While I'm always a proponent for the dark, depressing and morose, every once in awhile, it's nice to enjoy the simple, sweet, and romantic, as long as it isn't too syrupy. The perfect, enjoyable balance of Vermont Maple can be seen now in Arizona Jewish Theatre Company's first play of the season, James Sherman's Romance in D. There is nothing earth shattering or ground breaking here, just four likeable characters, a few clever twists and implausible coincidences, and enough humor and romance to send an audience member home with a smile. Thankfully, performances ranging from solid to great and Jim Linde's well-timed pacing only add to the success of the production.
Isabel and Charles are next door neighbors in a Chicago high-rise. Charles is a fussy musicologist who isn't quite as at home with companions as he is with music, and Isabel is a 40 year-old poet who has just lost her husband to a 20 year-old. The two begin a tentative friendship after Charles prevents Isabel's suicide. Isabel's dad, George, and Charles' mom, Helen, simultaneously begin a relationship, and the children discover they still have quite a bit to learn from their parents.
Mr. Linde has done an excellent job using the well-appointed and clever set of Mike Brooks, creating many interesting stage pictures and keeping the pacing at a brisk clip. He has also cast his play wonderfully. Everyone looks great, and only one of the quartet is not up to the rest of the engaging performances.
Local directors take note: there's a new woman in town whom I'm hoping to see cast regularly. Donna Davis, a recent transplant from Tucson, is endearing and engaging as the manic Isabel. She is offhandedly believable, quick with dialogue, and full of energy. She is a great balance to her costar, Hamilton Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell is hilariously uptight as Charles. His hesitant ways and blossoming behind a keyboard are perfectly executed. Their character's interfacing is very realistic, and the witty banter quite enjoyable.
Barbara Wood does a very good job as Helen. She is not sucked into the easy choice of a stereotypical Jewish mother, instead bringing a lot of good nature and fluster to the role. The only minor disappointment of the evening is Larry Soller as George. While he is generally enjoyable, he is still not in command of the script, and seems flustered for part of the time.
In addition to Mr. Brooks impressive set and Gena Wade's perfect props and set dressing, Michael J. Eddy's lighting and Bill Osborne's sound designs are wonderful. Mauren Smith's costumes are very good, and special commendation goes to Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman's original sound design.
True, there are a few negatives, including an episodic script that interrupts the flow a bit too much at times, but these negatives are countered by the cute story and everyone's earnest offerings. That's just what you want from a pleasant evening's entertainment.
Production Details:
Romance in D by James Sherman
Arizona Jewish Theatre Company
The Viad Playhouse on the Park, Phoenix
(602) 264-0402
November 4th - 19th, 2000