A
family affair
by
Michael Dresdner
L to R: Judith Bliss (Jane McKittrick), Simon Bliss (Rodman Bolek) All photos by Dennis K Photography |
Noel
Coward’s 1924 comedy Hay Fever opened last night at Tacoma Little Theatre,
deftly directed by Rick Hornor and starring an outstanding ensemble cast. Quick
paced and erudite, its language is riddled with comic comments and observations
that spin by so quickly you’d need to watch it several times to get it all. In
spite of being almost 100 years old, this study of family, ethos, and actions
holds up quite nicely, thank you very much, thanks in large part to a
frightfully skilled cast.
L to R: Simon (Rodman Bolek), Judith (Jane McKittrick), Sorel (Deya Ozburn) |
While
a synopsis of the play may sound like a mix of Midsummer Night’s Dream and a
foreshadow of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, it’s actually a subtly crafted
reveal of a surprisingly close family who cherish one another more than anyone
else. Even while arguing, they clearly care deeply for one another. By
contrast, even while seducing their guests they have little real use for them.
Such
complex interrelationships are not easy to convey, but this cast manages to blend
the intricate layers of their characters with one another flawlessly. It’s like
watching gears mesh perfectly.
It’s
time to meet the Bliss family in their elegant country house.
The
father, David Bliss (John W. Olive) is a writer who spends much of his time,
and much of the play, hidden away in his study. He emerges mostly to complain, seduce,
or to employ his family as a sounding board for his latest writing efforts. Judith
Bliss (Jane McKittrick) is his wife, and the real force majeure of the family, commanding
both the household and the stage whenever she appears. She’s a former actress
who still seeks the adoration of her fans, a counterbalance to the eye-rolling she
suffers from her children.
L to R: Sorel (Deya Ozburn), Simon (Rodman Bolek) |
Her
son, Simon (Rodman Bolek) is breezy, artistic, headstrong, energetic, and light-hearted.
He fairly reeks of the airiness that comes from one raised in privilege. Daughter
Sorel (Deya Ozburn) shares much of her brother’s freewheeling nature and
stubborn streak, but also has a bit of neediness borne of a twinge of
self-doubt. She’s much more like her mother than she probably cares to admit.
Finally,
there is Clara (Adrianna Littlejohn Roland,) the sassy, barely capable
housekeeper/maid who is kept on because she was Judith’s dresser back in her
theatre days.
L to R: Jackie Coryton (Jill Heinecke), Richard Greatham (W. Scott Pinkston) |
Unbeknownst
to one another, each family member has invited a guest of the opposite gender
for the weekend, each apparently a potential tryst. David opts for Jackie
Coryton (Jill Heinecke,) a young woman who admires his writing, and seems
confused from the outset at getting such an invitation. Judith invites Sandy
Tyrell (Frank Roberts), a too young, but very star struck devotee of the
actress’s onstage work. For Simon it’s Myra Arundel (Devan Malone,) an elegant family
acquaintance who has her own agenda in mind. Sorel chooses Richard Greatham (W.
Scott Pinkston,) a dignified and reserved older diplomat who actually fancies Judith
more than her daughter.
L to R: Sandy Tyrell (Frank Roberts), Judith (Jane McKittrick) |
The
family soon engages the guests in a game of adverbs and acting that is clear
and fun to them, but leaves their guests feeling befuddled and awkward. No
matter; in short order they all pair off, but each guest is whisked away to be
wooed by a different family member than the one who invited them. By morning
the guests are all so rattled that they decide to sneak away back to London, which
they manage while the family is in the living room arguing senselessly about
street names in Paris. The family barely notices their disappearance, and
frankly cares less.
L to R: Judith (Jane McKittrick), Sorel (Deya Ozburn) |
The
final tableau of the family together in the living room sums it up sweetly;
these are folks who love and depend on one another more than the outside world.
The family at home: Simon (Bolek), Sorel (Ozburn), Judith (McKittrick), David (John W. Olive) |
And
the name? You know how city folk might suffer atypical sneezing and itching in
the pollen-laden country air? Perhaps it's a nod to the unwitting Bliss guests
who are, quite unintentionally, made to feel uncomfortable during their country
visit.
Though
the plot is fairly thin, pulling off these complex relationships is a Herculean
effort, a real challenge even for very good actors, housed in a play that
requires a genuinely tight ensemble. Fortunately, that’s just what we have. I
could call out each one individually for accolades, but to be honest, there
wasn’t a weakness in any of them. This is an excellent chance to watch a finely
integrated group of very talented people crafting a slice of life offering.
As
usual for TLT, it’s all backed by an excellent support crew. Blake York, who
also did sound design, created the elegant country home set, lushly painted by
scenic artist Jen York. An outstanding array of period costumes comes from
Michele Graves, while props, hair, and wigs are thanks to Jeffery Weaver. Lighting
is by Niclas Olson, and the action is herded by stage manager Nena Curley,
assisted by ASM Courtney Rainer.
This
is a wonderful play that admittedly presents challenges not only to the cast
and crew, but to the audience as well. Nuanced, complex, funny, and revealing,
it requires close attention, but is well worth your time and effort.
Disclosures:
I
am married to one of the cast members.
This
is my last review. As it is the end of TLT’s 100th season (and
Lakewood’s 80th) I am hanging up my pencil. Thanks for taking this
journey with me.
Hay
Fever
June
7 to 23, 2019
Tacoma
Little Theatre