Review: I REMEMBER MAMA at Two River Theater is Superb

"Maybe one day when you grow up, you'll know what a fine thing family is."

-I Remember Mama

Two River Theater wraps up their successful season with an absolutely superb production of I Remember Mama through June 26th. Directed by Jack Cummings III, this version of the play was originally produced in New York by the Transport Group Theatre Company. I Remember Mama is written by John Van Druten based on "Mama's Bank Account" by Kathryn Forbes.

I Remember Mama is a moving family story about the Hansons, a working class Norwegian family living in San Francisco at the turn of the century. Marta (Mama) and Lars (Papa) have four children and are surrounded by extended family. Through their day-to-day joys and struggles, it is "Mama" who holds the family together with her patience, wisdom and diligence. She makes it seem like a mother can do anything. And as this classic story unfolds, it examines the enduring ties that bind a family.

I Remember Mama is wonderfully presented by ensemble of 10 veteran actresses, all in their 60's, 70's, and 80's. They portray all 25 parts moving seamlessly from one role to the next. The cast is led by Barbara Andres as Mama and includes the remarkable talents of Alice Cannon, Lynn Cohen, Rita Gardner, Marjorie Johnson, Mia Katigbak, Susan Lehman, Heather MacRae, Louise Sorel and Dale Soules. The actresses command the authenticity of the story and portray it perfectly.

The set, consisting of 10 tables is very effective for staging I Remember Mama enabling the scenes to flow easily. The Creative Team has done a great job of bringing the show to life with scenic design by Dane Laffrey; costume design by Kathryn Rohe and lighting design by R. Lee Kennedy. The casting is by Adam Caldwell and the Production Stage Manager is Ben Anderson.

Bravo to Two River Theater's Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst for giving the gift of I Remember Mama to metro area audiences. It is a very special show that everyone can relate to.

I Remember Mama will be performed through June 26th at Two River Theater, range from $37 to $65 with discounts for groups, seniors, U.S. Military personnel, their families and veterans.. A limited number of $20 tickets are available for every performance. $20 tickets may be partial view. Tickets for patrons under 30 are $20 and include the best available seats at every performance. Call 732.345.1400 or visit www.tworivertheater.org.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson