[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Committed? A Ritual for Robbie, written and performed by Lisa Robins and directed by Mitch Levine, at Beverly Hills Playhouse August 1–17.
What is the purpose of theatre? Why is a play an antidote to anything? What drives artists to share their stories in front of mostly total strangers? Committed? A Ritual for Robbie is probably one of the best answers to these and many other questions about why we all return to theatre that I have seen of late.
Lisa Robins has written a wonderful and heartfelt opus about her beloved brother Robbie, who died over 30 years ago. Robbie and Lisa had always been close, but she was his big sister and flew the nest as soon as it was polite to do so…busy making her own future. Robbie was troubled but entirely lovable, and she scooped him out of troubles way time and again. Without resentment or regret. Lisa loves Robbie…Robbie loves Lisa.
Over the years and the miles, Lisa moved to L.A. to pursue her dreams of acting and Robbie stayed in his hometown in San Diego, near their parents and other brother. Lisa’s visits became less frequent, and they both grew up and older. But Robbie’s troubles became more than he could bear and he left the only way he could. I can’t imagine the pain of that, particularly to Lisa, who went through every kind of guilt and loss that we can think of and many more that we cannot. Lisa always wanted to honor him creatively and it took her over 30 years to find her voice in this story.
Committed? A Ritual for Robbie is a powerful, beautiful tribute to a brother who was probably the love of her life. If we are very, very lucky a sibling can be that for us. That kind of love never leaves us. It never fades, and this wonderful play is a testament to that.
Lisa Robins is a phenomenal writer and performer. She quite literally owns the stage in this deeply moving and also hilarious play. It seems strange to talk about humor and tragedy in the same play. But isn’t that everything you’ve ever seen that’s truly any good? Shakespeare, Pinter, Chekhov. All hilarious and all desperately sad at times. It’s very human to use humor to hide grief, but sometimes it’s so mixed in with the person who has lost someone and the one who is celebrated that there can be no real distinction between the two. As Lisa Robins shares her brother with us, she literally beams. Her face holds a million smiles as well as a million tears, and that is why this very clever and hugely entertaining play feels so authentic. “Smile, though your heart is breaking,” if I may be so coy.
Lisa Robins, in her brilliant Committed? A Ritual for Robbie is an utter dream. She somehow manages to draw us into her life and Robbie’s without any syrupy sentimentality. She is an exceptional talent and perhaps it took 30 years to make this play because of her ‘commitment’ to her brother. Accepting a loss this deep should surely take at least as long as this. But now it’s finally time for Committed? A Ritual for Robbie. The world and Lisa Robins is ready. Ready to meet Robbie, ready to mourn Lisa’s loss with her and ready to discover Lisa Robins the artist, in a little theatre in Beverly Hills, where she fills the stage with her effervescence, her love and her immensely charming talent.
Committed? A Ritual for Robbie is an example of a solo show at its very best. Profoundly funny, heartbreaking and bold. Lisa opens up and brings her truth, body and soul.
I absolutely loved this show. The director Mitch Levine clearly has a very real connection with Lisa. There’s a lightness to the play, as well as no fear and no fuss. The combination of these two talents is a tremendous success. What could have been a tough experience is made into a wonderfully warm one. Bravo!!
Tickets:
https://committed.ludus.com/index.php
When:
August 1–17
Ten percent of net proceeds will be donated to mental health/suicide prevention organizations.
Where:
The Beverly Playhouse
254 S Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills
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