Reviewed by Tony Annicone
The third play of The Players’ 110 season is the 1977 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning “The Shadowbox” by Michael Cristofer.Three terminally ill patients and their families participate in a psychological inquiry into their end-of-life experiences. “The Shadow Box” is a journey of discovery into the genuinely lasting aspects of life. It is set on the grounds of a California hospital where some of the cottages have been set aside as a hospice for terminally ill patients. One playing area serves the three dying people: Joe, a working-class man joined by his wife and son; Brian, a writer there with his lover, Mark, and joined by his ex-wife, Beverly; and Felicity, an aging woman tended by her doting daughter, Agnes. An unseen psychiatrist known as the interviewer, draws them out and imparts wisdom to them with the five stages of dealing with death, denial, anger, bargaining, and depression, so they can better understand their situation at this point in their lives. Director Jeff Sullivan blends the dramatic and comic moments together splendidly. This well directed and well acted play receives a standing ovation on a job well done.
He blocks this talented cast wonderfully and elicits meaningful performances from all of them. Dennis Bouchard plays Joe who has accepted his diagnosis and tries to bring his wife around to dealing with this serious situation as well as gently trying to let their son know what lies ahead. He gives this character the compassion it needs to win over the audience. Dennis’ choked up reactions are perfect. Karen Besson plays the hesitant wife, who tries to avoid talking about the diagnosis because that will make it too real and she can’t face reality yet. However as time goes on, she must face things head on especially when she deals with their son. Steve, the son is well played by Nick Griffin. I last reviewed him in “Shakespeare in Love” at Burbage Theatre Company. The off-stage interviewer is played by Stephen Hug.
Brian takes an aloof approach to his illness, prepared to live every day fully to the last. He confronts his situation with dark humor which upsets his lover, Mark. David Crossley is marvelous as Brian, capturing the humor and pathos of the role. He is very endearing in this role. The scene where he and his lover finally connect brings tears to your eyes. Things lighten up when Brian’s ex-wife, Beverly shows up. The trashy Beverly is well played by Kathleen Povar who brings lightness to the scene. She displays all her jewelry she received for balling rich men. Kathleen is excellent in this role and the slapping scene with Mark is extremely well done and leads to a poignant understanding at last. Mark is well played by Chris Rodriguez. Mark is overprotective, angry and fearful during this scene, wanting a happy ending to this situation. Mark finally realizes he needs to be there for Brian at last.
The third segment is about an elderly mother with dementia and her caring daughter who tries to please the woman in her final illness. The long suffering daughter has been hiding a secret from her mother and tries to deal with compassion towards the inevitable ending which never seems to reach its conclusion. Carole Collins plays Felicity while Amy Thompson plays Agnes. Carole is irascible and feisty at first while Amy is frustrated and at the end of her rope. They do a superb job in these roles. Carole has a comic song called “Roll Me Over” which embarrasses her daughter. Agnes has hid the secret of her sister Claire’s death from her mother all these years which makes Felicity hang onto life hoping for a final reconciliation with Claire. All of the patients and their families learn that they must live in the moment and make each of them count. So for a play that still resonates to this very day with these situations and how we must face them, be sure to catch “The Shadowbox” to witness strong acting and direction. Tell them Tony sent you. Make sure you bring a lot of Kleenex with you.
THE SHADOWBOX (25 January to 3 February)
The Players, Barker Playhouse, 400 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 1(401)273-0590 or www.playersri.org
The Players, Barker Playhouse, 400 Benefit Street, Providence, RI
1(401)273-0590 or www.playersri.org
