TO THE BONE – Written by Catherine Butterfield; Directed by Lauren Kottenstette. Produced by Three Leaches Theatre Company (1560 Teller, Lakewood) through March 22. Tickets available at thethreeleaches.com.
I have to admit to trepidation at approaching this production. Based on the tiny synopsis provided, it was hard to ascertain the mood and tone of the show in advance. Having gone through the experience of meeting an adopted-out granddaughter as an adult myself, I knew it could go in any direction. Did I want to live through that again?
SO glad I went.
What I discovered was a redecorated space where Benchmark played for a few years, a welcoming producer at the door greeting guests, a bar that invites you to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, and a wildly funny show that induced snorts of laughter all the way through. They picked a script that not only created awkward and cringe-worthy scenes but did it with humanity and humor. They found a director and a cast that understood the fine line they were walking together and nailed every aspect of the situation being created. There were some “Oh, no, now what?” moments but even those were saturated in hilarity. The tech director understood the need for speed and created two sets that worked for all occasions and could be changed at intermission instead of interrupting the flow of this fast–moving dialogue. All and all, an all-around success. I also discovered a new – though experienced – theatre company that knows their stuff and is happy in their new home.
The over-reaching theme seems to be the damage little white lies and hidden motivations can cause. A long overdue meeting has been set up between Geneva and her birth mother Kelly. They have known of each other’s existence and proximity for a few years but, for reasons of their own, have put off a face-to-face meeting and kept their secret from others in their respective families. (White lie #1) Geneva arrives with a friend with a movie camera in tow to document the big event. She meets her mother, aunt and finally a brother she knew nothing about. (White lie #2) The documentation quickly reveals Geneva’s motive for the meeting. (White lie #3). A difficult conversation uncovers Kelly’s poignant need for the meeting. (White lie #4). The truths about Kelly’s two marriages uncover White lies #5 and #6. And on and on until about White lie #45 or so at the very end of the show that changes everything for everyone in a positive way.
The actors bring their A-game to the show with them. Alex Bair brings confidence in the truth of her motherly character that explores every aspect of this woman’s life. She projects her disappointment in her life, her dismissive attitude toward the past, and her hope for the future with equal grace. Libby Shull as the long-lost daughter has her own motives for exploiting her “new” mother and has her own set of angers. In a part that starts small, Kim Egan develops into a fully blown character as the friend with a camera who finds other depths to explore. Elizabeth Kirchmeier is the sister who has taken a psychology class or two and tries to keep everyone on track and conversing. Which only annoys everyone. The final member of this exceptional cast is Mattie Macaya as Sean, the son, who becomes the focus of everyone’s attention to his personal dismay. All together, they tell this meaningful story in delightful collaboration.
In a situation like this, you can’t help but look for the things that bind you to your new-found family member. “We have the same hairline!” What else do we share? Am I anything like you? Though neither Geneva or Kelly would ever admit it (both too arrogant), they share exactly the same temperament – self-involved, profane, angry, and needy all at once. And Kelly has passed that same blunt don’t-hold-back attitude to her son Sean. Genetics and family connections prove to be a very important component of this script. I don’t want to tell you the whole story because it unfolds in such a logical but comic way that is delightful to behold. You just have to observe the revelations yourself.
This is really a DON’T MISS event – but they are only playing one more weekend. I HATE short runs – you only hear about them and then they are gone. But whatever you had planned for next weekend, re-arrange it and get yourself over to the new Three Leaches Theater to see this delightful production.
A WOW factor of 8.75!!