As is familiar to most women, generational differences present themselves when we make choices that don’t reflect our mothers lifestyle or opinions. Each next generation does “their thing” their own way and conflict is just a matter of course. One of the grandmothers is Ruth performed by Jacque Lynn Colton who has taken her first plane ride from the Canadian prairie, is illiterate, and expresses herself with innocence but strength of character. The other grandmother is Rachel played by Marcia Loring, an agnostic Jewish intellectual with a Master’s degree in education. Her self-imposed inadequacies cause her to feel “if only” she had had the opportunity to attend better schools that she would be and have “more”. Daughter Jessica played by Lisa McGee-Mann is mourning the death of her lover who at first she believes to be her soul mate, then learns of his indiscretions. Polly (Annie Mackay), Jessica’s daughter has been accepted to Yale, has not returned home after a night out and is about to test the patience of these three women. This combined with grief cause a frantic and worried Jessica. Over the course of the play, these four women realize the connections that bind them together, and that it’s the warmth and humor from a loving family that comfort us when challenges arise.
Jacque Lynn Colton, Marcia Loring, Lisa McGee-Mann and Annie Mackay all give wonderful performances and Sherry Netherland’s direction accentuates each character profile. While Joanna McClelland Glass’ play is a very long one, it delves deep into the internal dialogue of four characters with numerous monologues exposing their deepest fears giving us a bird’s eye view into the choices they have made, how these choices have affected them and how they must overcome the communication barriers.
The Group Rep has a great beginning to their season with IF WE ARE WOMEN which will be presented in repertoire with COBB, a biography about the legendary ballplayer Ty Cobb. This is a terrific way to warm ourselves during this Southern California winter.
Enjoy!!!!
Cast: Jacque Lynn Colton, Marcia Loring, Annie Mackay & Lisa McGee-Mann
Director: Sherry Netherland
Producer for the Group Rep: Richard Alan Woody
Set Design: Chris Winfield
Stage Manager/Sound Operator: Francisco Medina
Lighting Design: Sabrina Beattie
Costume Design: Liz Nankin
Sound Design: Steve Shaw
Lighting Operator: David Vergona
Assistant Director: Stephanie Colet
Public Relations: Nora Feldman
Graphic Design: Doug Haverty – art & soul design
Program: Kady Douglas, FootLights, Inc.
Lonny Chapman Theatre
10900 Burbank Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Reservations/Tickets/Information: www.thegrouprep.com or (818) 763-5990
Performances: February 10 – April 1, 2012: Runs in rotating rep with COBB
Show dates and times vary (please see website or call for information)
Tickets: $15 - $22
Parking: Ample street parking and early-bird lot parking available
Running Time: 2 hrs 20 minutes (plus one intermission)
