by Michele Markarian
“She Did All That”, a documentary play by Lisa Rafferty. Directed by Lisa Rafferty. Presented by Birch Tree Productions at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Avenue, through July 8.
Watching a play about the Ford Administration, which took place a mere forty-odd years ago, is like watching a future – only it’s in the past – where politicians had integrity and progress was the goal. Ford, who had to take over the Presidency in the wake of Nixon’s resignation, addressed the country with the following: “My fellow Americans, our long, national nightmare is over” (reader, there was an audible snort from the audience after he said it). He must be turning over in his grave at what his party has become. But that’s not the point of the piece, which is a loving tribute to a very remarkable First Lady, Betty Ford. Not exactly a play, “She Did All That” arranges actual letters, speeches, and quotes to form a portrait of a very positive, free-thinking, ground-breaking First Lady.
At the beginning of Ford’s brief tenure as president, Betty Ford discovered that not only did she have breast cancer, but needed to have a mastectomy. Rather than lie about having a procedure for “female problems”, the Ford Administration told the American public the truth about Betty’s condition. Subsequently, when the time came for her family to have an intervention about her drinking and drug addiction, she was open about that, too. In being so, she could truly help others going through similar struggles, as the often touching letters that were read onstage from fans showed us. Betty Ford took difficult, personal topics, such as breast cancer and alcoholism, and brought them to the light, taking away the shame and stigma attached to them.
There was more to Betty Ford than her struggles. A former dancer with the Martha Graham Company and a divorcee when she married rising politician Gerald Ford, Betty Ford was no shrinking violet. “Being ladylike does not require silence”, said Ford. Her willingness to voice her opinions often vexed the administration, particularly as she was pro-ERA as well as pro-choice. Not popular opinions to have, especially for a Republican First Lady. Post-White House, she became an early advocate for those with HIV. But Ford was also realistic about knowing her place. As she said about her husband, “…marrying him was probably the biggest decision I ever made, and the best decision I ever made”. Being the wife of a President, even an ex-President, gave her a platform for her views.
Paula Plum gives a marvelously credible performance of Betty Ford. Richard Snee, Plum’s real-life husband is equally believable as Gerald. The love, admiration and devotion between the Fords is palpable through their letters, words and strong faith; Plum and Snee do their relationship justice. Real-life reporters play reporters onstage. Joyce Kulhawik was performing the night I went; Michele Lazcano and Jayme Parker will perform on subsequent nights. Dave Daly does a great job of pulling the pieces together through narration as Historian. Kennedy Elsey, Erin Eva Butcher and Srin Chakravorty are funny and versatile in a variety of roles, including Phyllis Schlafly (Butcher), Stevie Nicks (Chakravorty) and Steven Tyler (Elsey). Brianna Plummer’s fabulous 70’s costumes are spot on.
While the piece lacks a dramatic arc and conflict, it’s always nice to see historical women get their due, particularly one as compassionate, outspoken and brave as this one. If you get a chance, look at the lobby walls during intermission for all sorts of Ford memorabilia, in particular, a moving letter Ford wrote his wife on the eve of her mastectomy. The best is a picture of Betty taken on her last day at the White House atop a table, striking a dancer’s pose, and grinning ear to ear. Her indomitable spirit shines through. For tickets, go to: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/34857
