BWW Reviews: The Arvada Center's DIVIDING THE ESTATE - Amusing but Not Hilarious

The Arvada Center presents the regional premiere of DIVIDING THE ESTATE, a sardonic comedy by Pulitzer Prize winner author, Horton Foote playing now through May 26th. Once a family of comfortable wealth, the Gordon's now find themselves facing a looming financial crisis. The only asset left is the family's Texas estate but matriarch Stella is determined not to divide the 100 year old property. Her three children have other ideas and set out to convince Stella to go with their plan and come into some money. Old resentments and sibling rivalries surface as the members of this quirky, dysfunctional family connive to see who will claim the biggest piece of the pie in Dividing the Estate.

I have to admit that this show is certainly a head-scratcher. While the script is quite humorous and read well onstage, it was apparent that there was definitely something lacking in this production. It took me a couple of scenes to realize exactly what that was. This show was missing the infusion of the soap opera reactions and staging that was made famous in Dallas and Dynasty; and the hilarious over the top melodrama that was featured in Sordid Lives. Here is an example - when this family that is fighting to keep or sell off the estate is heading to the table for dinner, there should have been a extended race to the table to jockey for seats next to Stella and a little dramatic musical chairs would have added that extra funny aspect to this literal scene. Another perfect example is at the end of the show when Mary Jo has said four times " On my hands and knees" - she should have ended the show actually on her hands and knees and Lucielle should be wearing the Whataburger visor after she humorously referenced it earlier. Speaking of the sisters, both were excellent, but they seemed a bit disconnected as family members and this could have been easily solved with some more sisterly bickering. I would have loved to see each family member have an over the top trait to bring to the table and grab the audiences funny-bone and leave them wanting more. Even with this lack of comedic physical staging the humor is there and this cast did an excellent job with the material and it made for a amusing production.

Son (solidly played Leigh Nichols Miller) seemed like the only sane person in the show, which was good with so many extroverted characters in his family and his performance would have been even more appreciated had the rest of the cast been a little more over the top. Anne Oberbroeckling as the matriarch StElla Gordon was the perfect blend of crotchety old lady and compassionate mother. She was just a delight to watch onstage. Boulder favorite Rachel Fowler was wonderful as Stella's daughter, Lucielle and she was fun in all of her reactions and worries to all of the drama. There was a moment when she decided to fan off a hot flash and I wish that we had seen more of those from her. In sharp contrast, her brother, Lewis (aptly played by Mark Rubald) could not hold anything together and was constantly messing things up. I did like his transformation from total mess, to grounded and secure at the end and Mr. Rubald added a nice arch to this interesting character. Sharon Kay White was probably the funniest sibling of them all as Mary Jo. She really brought out the melodrama in the show and just wished she was able to draw out more from her other family members. I also would have loved to have heard her do a funny key word to her character or over the top accent. Her husband, Bob (played by the talented Michael McNeill) was funny, but I would have liked to see more of a sleazy used car salesman about his demeanor as he was trying to rationalize and convince the rest of the family to divide the estate. Their daughters Emily and Sissie (wonderfully played by Devon James and Emma Carpenter Martin respectively) were fun, but I also feel like they were lacking. I wanted them to be even more spoiled and had they been chewing gum in unison or at least choreographed in their movements a little more, they would have had the audience in stitches. Russell Costen gave such a tender performance as the houseman, Doug and I have to admit that his was my favorite performance of the night. His grumpiness and charm drew you in and I loved his intimate history with the family that he held so dear to his heart. Ghandia Johnson as the sassy maid Mildred was also fun to watch, but I with there was a bit more sass and Mmm Hmm to her demeanor. Gabra Zackman as Son's fiancee, Pauline was lovely and delightfully awkward. I would have loved to have seen a bit more awkwardness and clumsiness to her performance, but it was quite good.

While director A. Lee Massaro did a great job with casting and keeping things flowing smoothly while accentuating those funny lines, she missed a golden opportunity by overlooking any comedic staging or movement that could have made this show side-splitting hilarious. Just that extra addition to the melodrama or family antics would have had the audience in stitches. Resident designer Brian Mallgrave once again hit it out of the ballpark with his set design filled with Southern hospitality and charm. I adored every aspect of this thoroughly thought out set from the gorgeous wall paper, to the lovely staircase, fun light fixtures and photos on the wall for a touch of family history. Lighting by designer Jacob Welch was wonderful and full of thoughtful accents. Sound Design by Morgan McCauley was blended well and I loved the song choices before the show and at intermission. Costumes by Clare Henkel were fun and colorful and I admired the variety in classes featured in this show. I must admit that I was waiting for some big hats, especially when everyone was coming back from the funeral. The wigs and makeup by Lisa Rokicki were good, but I wish that they had taken a page from Sordid Lives with bold eyeshadow and larger than life Southern hair (although I adored Mary Jo's wig).

DIVING THE ESTATE plays the Black Box Theatre of the Arvada Center now until May 26th. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. For tickets or more information, contact the box office at 720-898-7200 or check them out online at www.arvadacenter.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: P. Switzer

Sharon Kay White, Rachel Fowler and Anne Oberbroeckling

Rachel Fowler and Anne Oberbroeckling, Gabra Zackman, Leigh Nichols Miller, and Mark Rubald (front)

Emma Carpenter Martin, Devon James, Michael McNeil and Sharon Kay White

Anne Oberbroeckling and Russell Costen

The cast of DIVIDING THE ESTATE