Majestic Theater, West Springfield, MA
through April 2, 2017
by Mary Fernandez-Sierra
“The question he frames in all but words
Is what to make of a diminished thing.”
-Robert Frost, The Oven Bird
Tina Howe’s “Painting Churches,” a play about the
relationship of an aging poet, his distracted wife and up-and-coming artist
daughter, is performing now with grace and style at The Majestic Theater in
West Springfield.
Director Rand Foerster has created a lovely, authentic
portrait of the diminishment which growing old brings, and the powerful effect
the decline has on family. Foerster has kept the tone of this show light,
though the subject is rather sad; there is far more joy than sorrow in the
Majestic’s fine production.
Ellen Colton’s comic timing and facial expressions as Fanny
Church, the long-suffering and somewhat savage wife, lay waste an audience. She
is especially superb in the interplay with her failing husband, alternately
berating and cherishing him. Some actors can get you to smile through your
tears; this one makes you laugh.
Anderson Matthews is equally amazing in his role as Gardner
Church, the fading poet. His performance never stoops to caricature or
sentimentality, though his character gets a little foolish at times. Gardner’s
dignity always shines through; and one of the highlights of this production is
hearing Matthews recite serious poetry, especially Yeats.
As Margaret, the artist daughter of this remarkable pair,
Eve Passeltiner is engaging, passionate and completely believable. She portrays
the next generation of gifts in her waning family with sincerity and
conviction, and is a pleasure to behold onstage.
More kudos: Dawn McKay’s costumes are both lovely to look at
and cleverly designed. They move beautifully to suit the actors’ actions, and
complement the story being told (Fanny’s hats are incredible).
Set designer Greg Trochlil has built a gorgeous set complete
with architectural details of a fancy townhouse in Boston, on walls that don’t
exist. Sound Designer Justin Letellier plays elegant piano waltzes as the
backstage crew make complicated scene changes. Meanwhile, Lighting Designers
Matt Cowan and Amber Tanudjaja create lighting suggestive of a child’s crayon
drawing over the entire set…and lovely effects throughout the rest of the show,
too.
Majestic Theater’s “Painting Churches” has the makings of a
masterpiece. Go see it for yourself!
