Review: BAKERSFIELD MIST at Bickford Theatre is Exceptional

"It is easier to say something is fake than to prove that it is real."

by Maude in Bakersfield Mist

There's just one weekend left to see Bakersfield Mist, an exceptional production now being presented at the Morris Museum's Bickford Theatre. This award-winning play by Stephen Sachs features expert direction by the theatre's Producing Artistic Director, Eric Hafen along with remarkable performances by Kim Zimmer and Carl Wallnau.

The story is set in the trailer park home of Maude Gutman a brash, hard-drinking, middle-aged woman. Maude believes that she has purchased a valuable Jackson Pollack painting at a local thrift shop for just a few dollars. Enter renowned art expert, Lionel Percy, a stuffy intellectual type, who has travelled from New York to evaluate the authenticity of the painting. At first, it seems that these two individuals will experience a brief clash of cultures. But, as they spend time discussing their personal circumstances, their exchange becomes spirited, often comical, and ultimately about the real values in life.

Audiences will be swept away by Kim Zimmer as Maude Gutman and Carl Wallnau as Lionel Percy. Zimmer and Wallnau's portrayals of their characters are so genuine that every moment is captivating. You will remember their performances long after the curtain call.

The Production Team has done a wonderful job of bringing Bakersfield Mist to the Morristown stage with scenic design by Roy Pancirov; lighting and sound design by Roman Klima; costume design by Christina Lockerby; prop design by Dani Pietrowski. The Fight Director is A.C. Weary; Production Stage Manager is Leanne Long-Hulin; the Assistant Stage Manager is Madeleine Blossom. Press and Marketing is by Amiet Goldman and LKS Associates.

Bickford Theatre's production of Bakersfield Mist should be part of your fall entertainment. And with just a few performances left, get your tickets now for this outstanding show.

Bakersfield Mist runs for approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. It is onstage now through Sunday, November 5th at the Morris Museum's Bickford Theatre. The Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown and offers free parking and full accessibility. Tickets for Bakersfield Mist are $45 for the General Public; $40 for Seniors; $38 for Museum Members; and $20 for Students (18 & under or with valid college ID). Group rates are available. There is a $3 service charge per ticket. The show contains Adult Language. Tickets may be purchased online at http://morrismuseum.org/main-stage-performances by phone at 973.971.3706 or in person at the Bickford Theatre Box Office.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bickford Theatre