Update! Since this preview was written I have seen this wonderful play and it is surprising, delicious and literally nutty. WAM Theatre lives up to its promise as a wonderful addition to the Berkshires (and Albany) area and the two reviews I most enjoy concur. I urge you to read Leslie Ann Beck’s report in Berkshire Living which captures – perfectly – the spirit of the play, as well as the always reliable critique from Gail Burns in Gail Sez which also has a few caveats.
WAM Theatre is one of the most interesting developments on the Berkshire entertainment scene in years – it’s a theatre company with an interest in showcasing the work of women playwrights like Sarah Ruhl. She wrote the farce that they are in rehearsal for now, Melancholy Play. Ruhl is one of the most acclaimed and accomplished young playwrights on the contemporary scene. She blends deep feelings with quirky comedy in theatrically adventurous ways.
The comedy revolves around Tilly, a charismatic young woman whose melancholic attitude wins the hearts of her psychiatrist, Lorenzo; her boyfriend, Frank; and two lesbian lovers, Frances and Joan. All four fall head-over-heels for her. Her love for them as well as theirs for her gives her such a sense of well-being that she loses her alluring sadness and becomes ecstatically, even irritatingly happy. The result is her four suitors are all dismayed and become melancholic themselves — Frances to the point that she literally turns into an almond. It is left to Tilly to unite Lorenzo, Frank, and Joan in an effort to save poor Frances.
Pretty absurdist sounding, wouldn’t you say? And certainly not the typical family fare on tv. Rather it is a high energy surrealistic romp that playfully assimilates the hectic pace of contemporary life even as it challenges all our preconceptions. In short, theatre that is surprising, sassy and sexy.
Melancholy Play at WAM Theatre Nov. 12-21, 2010
The Essentials: Melancholy Play runs from November 12-21, 2010 at the New Stage Performing Arts Center, 55 North Street, in Pittsfield, MA and plays Fridays at 8, Saturdays at 3 and 8 and Sundays at 3. Free post-performance talkbacks follow the Saturday matinees. tickets are $25, with students at $12. There are no senior discounts. To book tickets, go to www.wamtheatre.com or call 1-800-838-3006
Melancholy Play features Betsy Holt (Oldcastle’s ‘Leading Ladies’) as Tilly, Todd Quick (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey) as Frank, Per Janson (Trinity Rep) as Lorenzo, Karen Lee (The Wharton Salon) as Frances, Erika Helen Smith (Classic Stage Company) as Julian the cellist and Leigh Strimbeck (co-Artistic Director of WAM) as Joan. In line with WAM Theatre’s philanthropic mission, a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.
Kristen van Ginhoven, co-artistic director of WAM (Women’s Action Movement) Theatre remarked, “We are looking forward to our first full production of a play by a female playwright and our first with a local beneficiary, The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. By coming to see WAM’s production of ‘Melancholy Play’, you are helping to create opportunity for women and girls right here in our community!”
“Sarah Ruhl’s Melancholy Play mixed the absurdity of Pirandello and Fellini and the edgy prettiness of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Off-beat, lyrical and just a little bit nutty, it is a real charmer.” -Chicago Sun-Times
Marjorie Hutter, Director of Philanthropy for The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts remarked, “I remember when Kristen first called me to talk about the vision for WAM – that offering a theatrical venue for women’s voices and experiences would go hand-in-hand with advancing women’s philanthropy for social change. As the chosen beneficiary of WAM’s fall show, the Women’s Fund couldn’t ask for a better alignment of mission and values. We welcome this terrific opportunity to share with WAM’s audience the impact of our grantmaking in Berkshire County. So when you attend WAM’s fall production, please know that you’ll also be part of changing the world, right here at home!”
Of course, to theatre-goers this is not just a theatrical spaghetti supper. It’s what goes on stage that is the primary concern. Given the superb background and credits and resumes of the participants this may well turn out to be both a boost to The Women’s Fund and a great evening of theatre. Give this fledgeling troupe your support, be there at the start of something great!
