Review: Eagle Theatre's KING OF EAST JABIP Grabs the Heart

"There are very few roles for 80 yr. olds, so I asked my daughter Kelly to write a play for me "says Tom McCarthy. The plot centers on Jack and Nora Doyle, an Irish couple from Philly in their twilight years facing difficult and inevitable choices. When Jack (Tom McCarthy) shows signs of Alzheimer's Nora (April Woodall) becomes his coach-in-denial of the seriousness of his condition. Their daughter Bridget (Melissa Connell) returns from a soul searching trip to India to find her dad greatly changed and her mother convinced that if they move into an assisted living his confusion will go away.

Is there a family anywhere that has not faced the challenge of a mother/father/grandparent in failing health? As Director Ed Corsi says "It's going to hit close to home for a number of people. I love it because it does take you on an hour and 45 minute roller coaster". What you will experience is the depth of these three characters as they travel through about a dozen emotions, often within minutes of each other. Playwright Kelly McCarthy captures the whole real, raw picture of living in a loving household with a seriously fragile 80 yr. old. The subject matter is solemn but the balance of humor and tragedy truly grounds the show.

Tom McCarthy is nothing less than brilliant in the role of Jack, who just wants to stay in his modest row home in Philly with a plan to revisit Ireland where he grew up. McCarthy's Archie Bunker-style personality gives him the green light to act out as he sees fit at any given moment...and he sure does! When Nora suggests a visit to the Assisted Living Jack's rejects the notion loudly claiming "I'd rather be the King of this house than the King of East Jabip". The couple re-lives their young married life which was filled with love and tragedy at the loss of their son, and then they're off to funeral of a dear friend. While there Jack decides to sound off a bit and Nora decides that if she dies first Jack's not to serve shrimp cocktail at the luncheon as it's "too celebratory for a funeral". There is much needed levity in this piece so that the audience has the opportunity to see that in every difficult situation there is humor. There has to be!

Woodall's Nora is equally outstanding as she is outwardly supportive but her sanity is threatened as well as any care giver can attest to. Daughter Bridget rises from her own personal situation to support the family and Connell puts in a wonderful performance. Director Ed Corsi has assisted the McCarthy's project which was first presented as a reading at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. Corsi, a young father of three young boys shows an amazing feel for this work injecting just the right amount of angst vs humor for the audience to relish every moment and wondering how this story will end. So you'll just need to see the show to find out what becomes of The King of East Jabip.

Scenic Design by Chris Miller and Ed Corsi and lighting by Chris Miller for this "world premier" which looks promising for future engagements and more.

THE KING OF EAST JABIP plays on selected dates at The Eagle Theatre, Hammonton NJ. For more information and tickets visit www.theeagletheatre.com or call 609.704.5012

Production Photos: Chris Miller - After show photos with Pati Buehler, Kelly McCarthy (playwright) and Tom McCarthy (Jack Doyle) (Ed Buehler)

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