Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge, MA
through August 25, 2012
by Kait Rankins
Directed by two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton,
“Brace Yourself” is the story of Sunny, an uptight and tense mother of two who
just wants to hold on to control of her life. But with an easygoing husband who
just wants to go fishing, a daughter rebelling against her meticulously-planned
and lavish wedding, a son who’s gaining a reputation for being promiscuous and
extremely noisy neighbors, keeping control isn’t easy. Add to that a
92-year-old aunt dying suddenly in her living room and a hurricane threatening
evacuation of the island, things feel about as out of control as possible.
David Epstein’s breezy one-act comedy about kids growing up
and leaving the nest threatens to become predictable, but it’s saved by a few
plot surprises, unexpected irreverence, and charmingly funny characters. Golden
Globe winner Jill Eikenberry is brilliant in her deadpan and grouchy portrayal
of Sunny, and her chemistry with real-life husband Michael Tucker (Sunny’s
husband Milt) is spot-on. Also of note is Clea Alsip (the son’s girlfriend)
with adorable believability that makes her a breath of fresh air. Jackie
Hoffman steals the show as Sunny’s chain smoking friend and neighbor Jeannette,
delivering most of the play’s punch lines.
Special recognition needs to be given to scenic designer
Hugh Lendwehr, lighting designers Paul Gallo and Craig Steizenmuller, costume
designer David Murin, and sound designer Scott Killian for creating a
fully-immersive set that can make the audience forget that they’re sitting in a
theatre and not at Sunny and Milt’s island summer home.
Both the cast and the design keep the play grounded in
realism, which is ultimately its greatest asset. “Brace Yourself” could easily
fall flat if played solely for laughs, but Naughton’s direction keeps the
characters from becoming abrasive caricatures. The plot can read like a sitcom
episode where all the characters shout at one another and mug for the audience,
but that kind of heavy handed approach is gracefully avoided. The result is a
production that is lighthearted but realistic, and it’s a charming end to BTF’s
summer season.
