Ten years ago I wandered around Mount Dora and came across this theater. The doors were wide open and I heard the sound of hammers and falling pieces of wood. Managing Artistic Director Darlin Barry, sat outside speaking to an actor on this warm Florida afternoon. She informed me that I had missed the show and today they were striking the set. I offered to help. Darlin was not about to turn down free labor. It was one of the most memorable times fo my life.
First of all, what a welcoming group of people. When I asked if the theater provided backstage tours, an usher rushed to ask director David Clevenger. The usher came back promptly to tell me that David would be happy to give me a tour after the show. David was delightful. In addition to directing he also designed and built the set for this Tennessee Williams classic.
Here’s what I geeked out on:
A platform built on top of the stage was set askew. One side came out over the edge of the stage while the other revealed the stage floor. David explained the idea was to be a little off, much like the play itself. I felt it worked, mirroring the disconnected relationship the children had with their mother.
On the back wall hung the photo of Mr. Wingfield, the father, a character we know little about other than his departure 16 years earlier. I was fascinated with the patterns and backlighting used to create this piece. David informed me that the wall was merely lace stretched across the back of the stage. I was floored. From offstage this “wall” was it’s own character.
Marilyn McGinnis played Amanda, the mother of the two adult children. She was exquisite. This nagging, over-critical mother is equal parts endearing and hard to love. Marilyn’s ability to seesaw between annoying and relatability was fluid. She felt like softness wrapped in sandpaper with just a hint of crazy in the eyes. In all the effort the character puts forth to “encourage” her children, Marilyn creates the disconnect for the struggle each character has in this 1940’s dysfunctional family. I was fortunate enough to meet this lovely actress and could only communicate my appreciation with hand gestures. Yes, I had no words.
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Jerrod Hubbard, our Tom, had a smooth, warm voice I could listen to for days. I appreciated his laid back portrayal of Tom. Even when he flew off the handle at his mother, I enjoyed him losing it but cutting her with his words, not his volume. I would have liked a little more intensity from Jerrod during the “fluorescent tubes” monologue as well as enunciation. A few moments were lost because of this but it was an admirable portrayal of Tom.
Agata Sokolska and Bradley Hubbell (Laura and Jim) brought out the best in each other. I had no deep feeling for either actor until they were alone, away from Amanda’s pushing. The chemistry between the two felt real and sweet. Bradley’s boy next door charm filled the space of Agata’s sweet and sometimes awkward Laura.
Thank you to everyone at the Ice House Theatre for all the hard work you put in to making this production a success. Your boy gives this production a “Bravo!”
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