Chester Theatre Company, Chester, MA
through August 14, 2016
by Mary Fernandez-Sierra
There’s lots of fine theatre happening in the Berkshires
this summer, but “sister play” at Chester Theatre needs to be top on everyone’s
list.
Charming, persuasive, skillfully acted and staged,
theatregoers will enjoy watching four fine performers steal the show, all at
the same time.
A glimpse of the plot: Two sisters join up at the lonesome
Cape Cod home of their deceased and rather famous writer father. Anna, the
older sister, wants to mother her younger and somewhat wilder sibling Lilly,
and keep her from harm. Anna’s husband Malcolm, a writer himself, is also in
attendance. He holds the duo together, quite cleverly with wit and wisdom, until
Gentleman Caller William appears. William woos Lilly with his own brand of
worldly wisdom; but the big question is, will she succumb to his charms, though
Sister Anna disapproves?
Anna, portrayed by Tara Franklin, is the totally believable
and nurturing, nervous sister. Her travails and nearly savage will to protect
Lilly are fiercely and sincerely enacted. She gives extraordinary energy and
truth to the role. Lovely Lilly is stunningly performed by Therese Plaehn. (She
introduces herself to hopeful beau William, saying: ‘I’m Lilly.’ William
responds: ‘I’m not surprised.’) Neither is the audience; this actress is
winning and wonderful from the word go.
Justin Campbell brings just the right level of charm and
on-the-street sagacity to the role of William. He engages the audience with
simplicity and sincerity, and hits all kinds of emotional chords with
straight-shot delivery. James Barry is merry and marvelous as Malcolm, the
husband of Anna. It is a joy to hear him deliver long monologues that he makes
short. His superb timing, as well as the touching tenderness he shows for his
wife and sister-in-law, make this play’s world go ‘round.
Add to the fabulous John Kolvenbach script: stunning scenery
designed by David Towlun, beautiful costumes by Elizabeth Pangburn, and lovely
lighting by Lara Dubin. Some nice musical touches were created, too, by sound
designer James McNamara. Daniel Elihu Kramer put all the elements together to
create some kind of wonderful theatre... bravo to all!
