— a review by Maura O’Neill —
Bethany Marie, Kevin Doyle and Aaimee Johnson
Last evening I saw one of the most moving plays I have seen in a very long time. Not only was it expertly written, but it was amazingly well acted. I have known Aaimee Johnson and Kevin Doyle for a while now and have seen them in several plays, but last night, I missed them on stage for the only people there were Juliana and Ian, the husband and wife living this drama of a family’s struggle with identity and love.
The play, The Other Place by Sharr White, confronts the issue of dementia. However, while this subject is one that so negatively effects so many lives today, this story is amazingly uplifting. “How can this be,” you say? To answer this question you must see this production performed by members of The Actors Theater of Orcas Island.
Once again, Doug Bechtel as director has succeeded in reaching into actors and bringing out real characters that touch our sensitivities, our imaginations and our experiences. Besides Aaimee and Kevin, Bethany Marie, and Travis Baker provide excellent support by taking on their varied roles so very well. Not to give the ending away, but just a hint is the appearance of adorable Grace Zwilling.
Perhaps the best test for a good production is the reaction of the audience. I noticed at the end that I hadn’t even adjusted my body in the seat, and, what’s more, neither had anyone else. Everyone sat perfectly still, so wrapped up in the story, a story that is tender, caring, and very insightful.
You still have five chances to see this wonderful play, next Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16, and the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 at the Grange. Tickets are $10 and are available at Darvills Book Store, on-line at www.orcasactors.org and at the door. For additional information, contact Doug Bechtel at 360-317-5601.
Don’t miss it.
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Loved it!
We were spellbound from beginning to end. At about one quarter of the way into the play I remembwer asking myself “where is this going?” It is an amazing play well written with an amazing director but more so AMAZING performances by all the actors! By the end we all felt part of this family and pleased how they “Owned” their roles so well. Aimee so well did this and was able to seamlessly go from one part of her personality to another in a few steps away form the last one, you did not realize the transition! Her husband was so effective you could feel his pain and love in trying to transition and showed such love and concern while struggling to stay present! The ending is the ‘answer” to the play plot. Supporting actors were incredible in there roles and support.
This IS a must see!! Do not miss this opportunity to have an evening that will leave you talking about it and wondering ……..in a good way.