Review: HOME, I'M DARLING at Live Theatre Workshop
HOME, I'M DARLING tells a poignant tale with top-notch performances.
HOME, I'M DARLING by Laura Wade is a charming and thought-provoking show about a woman who decides to live a 50's lifestyle in the modern age. Playing at Live Theatre Workshop and directed by Shanna Brock, this play explores the crumbling foundations of a marriage and a society that glamorizes perfection and keeping up appearances, a trend that was not entirely left behind in the 50's. The characters struggle financially, emotionally, and maritally. I was relieved that, while at times dark, the play landed the plane and ended positively. I like going into shows I haven't seen cold, and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire two hours.
Samantha Cormier lights up the stage as Judy. A complex character beautifully realized by Cormier, Judy is desperately searching for meaning and purpose, while embracing the "trad wife" life. Cormier gives Judy layers. At several moments we see her inner turmoil onstage, replaced by a facade of glee (all in the face). This change occurs whenever she is shaken out of loneliness by a house guest. It is crystal clear what Cormier's character is thinking. Judy also doesn't quite understand boundaries. Cormier manages to perform the role with a high degree of likability, despite Judy's flaws. She also has some of the best dialect work. As a note, some of the actors slip from RP dialect into Cockney or even American at times, so some of the dialect work could be tightened up.
Ted Falagan plays Johnny, Judy's husband. Falagan is gentle and bumbling (perfect for his character). At times, he is stern. I found his performance to be subtle and nuanced, but also frightening when needed. He fit the role nicely. You really feel for Johnny, because he is stuck in an unhappy situation and is doing everything he can to make it work. This desperation and angst from Falagan is brilliantly conveyed. The struggles at home and work are brought to the forefront.
This play, while excellently written, can be uncomfortable to watch at times. Theatregoing is essentially a form of voyeurism, peeling back the curtain to look at someone else's life. The events in HOME, I'M DARLING can sometimes be uncomfortable, but that is the point. Speaking of uncomfortable, I do find it necessary to mention that a loud phone went off during our show. This is an issue that falls on the audience, not the theatre, especially because great efforts are made to remind the audience of etiquette. It took me out of the moment. So if you are reading this, please remind your theatre friends to turn off their phones when they attend live theatre.
The supporting cast of HOME, I'M DARLING fulfill their roles excellently. Erin Amsler as Fran and Brian McElroy as Marcus provide fantastic character work. Joanne Mack Robertson is dynamic as Judy's mother Sylvia. The standout performance of HOME, I'M DARLING goes to Verónica Weatherbie as Johnny's boss Alex. She is formidable and full of Joie de vivre. The stakes raise higher whenever Weatherbie is onstage, and her presence is magnetic.
The production value of this play is high, with wonderful costumes by Christine Ralston and sly sound design by Michael Zimmerman. One sound cue in particular (for a scene transition) was so perfectly timed to the line that preceded it that I laughed out loud. Lighting by Richard Gremel fits the tone and timbre, and set design by Taryn Wintersteen is appropriate for the time period. Aside from some vocal projection and diction issues, I found HOME, I'M DARLING to be a delightful night out and a production that left me thinking after I had walked out the door. Photos: Live Theatre Workshop. Tickets: livetheatreworkshop.org
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