BIRTHDAY CANDLES – Written by Noah Haidle; Directed by Christy Montour-Larson. Produced by Curious Theatre Company (presented at 1080 Acoma Street, Denver) through April 5. Tickets available at 303-623-0524 or CuriousTheatre.org.
This is the story of a woman. A woman who lived a contained but full life. Nothing spectacular, but full of love. In my personal dotage, lately I’ve been saying to people “Treasure the moment because the years fly by.” In a beautifully lyrical staging, that’s what happens in this script. We follow Ernestine from her 17th birthday to the end 80 years later.
As in the case of a lot of women who grew up in Ernestine’s time, her life revolves around her family and her kitchen. Most particularly, a recipe handed down from her grandmother and mother creates the same birthday cake for each of her special days and those of her family. The power of ritual is strong in her – the ties that bind generations together. But as the years go by, that tie gets stretched thin as children and grandchildren move on. And out.
The same sort of play could most reasonably be done about anyone – or everyone. What makes this one special is the lyrical quality with which it’s written and staged. Enhanced by an absolutely beautiful kitchen set (designed by Caitlin Ayer and built by the students of the Tech Intern Program at the University of Denver), Christy Montour Larson has hit all the right notes with this one.
The script keeps Gabriella Cavallero as Ernestine on the stage for the entire time. (Welcome back, Gabriella!!) The years go by quickly through marriage, children, adult children getting married and having babies, familial pain, and new loves. The extended family units are made up of Karen Slack, Michael McNeill, Rodney Lizcano, and Devon James, all playing multiple characters in Ernestine’s life and family. Only Brian Landis Folkins has a single crucial role. They all grow up and move on in front of us. Through carefully curated clothing (Designed by Janice Benning Lacek), we are kept in the era and the character of each player.
I read this script a couple of years ago and thought at the time, “How the heck could you stage this thing so it made sense?” Curious is not afraid to take those difficult problems, hire a creative director, and cast an adventurous and brilliant group of actors to give it a try. This is one try that succeeded. The 90-minute play flew by with humor, affection, and determination – until there stands Ernestine alone on the stage.
This just opened. You have time to get to it. Get to it.
A WOW factor of 8.75!!