Erick(Don R. McManus) on stage
Danny Moses
Fans of Don(where did I put that R.)McManus (Erick Hillman) who live in
the LA area might want to check him out in "Water Children." Both he
and the play garner great reviews. I believe the alternate cast
features John Cullum's son in a smaller, but pivotal role. His son is
said to look just like his father.
First Darren loses the E. and now Don loses his R. Can Floyd's Red Crow
be far behind?
REVIEW/STAGE: 'Water Children' A Choice Production
The Water Children (Romantic drama; Matrix Theatre: 99 seats; $20 top;
1:45)
By Julio Martinez
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Playwright Wendy MacLeod has fashioned an
exquisite modern-day Romeo and Juliet saga, set against the conflict
between "pro-life" and "pro-choice" advocates.
The play is staged with deep insight and empathy by Lisa James, and
Wendy Makkena (Megan)and Don McManus (Randall) are superb as the
star-crossed lovers, exhibiting such tangible affection for one another
that the demise of their relationship is as heartbreaking as the issues
they ultimately cannot transcend. The production is further enhanced by
an outstanding supporting cast.
In New York City, out-of-work actress Megan is given the news that she
is about to move from ravishing ingenue to wholesome young mom when she
is offered a great deal of money to do a public service TV ad for a
pro-life organization headed by the handsome and dynamic divorcee,
Randall. Though Megan possesses strong pro-choice ideals, she is still
haunted by the visage of strapping and outgoing Chance (Christopher
Collet), the incarnation of the fetus she aborted when she was a scared
and immature 16-year-old.
Makkena, who created the role of Megan in the original New York
Playwrights Horizon production, and McManus exude magnetic attraction.
The developing love affair between Megan and Randall is imbued with such
intelligence, humor and compassion, they rightfully take the focus away
from MacLeod's relentless but skillfully inserted concerns. When events
at a pro-life rally lead to a catastrophe, the ultimate tragedy is how
it affects these two fine human beings.
Militants blight both sides of the abortion issue, and this play
contains some striking portrayals of such people. Sarah Zinsser's
pro-choice Liz is the embodiment of an embittered sarcastic,
self-loathing arch feminist. And Billie Worley and Sarah Bibb are
actually scary as Randall's geeky, mentally unbalanced pro-life
volunteers, Tony Dinardi and Crystal, respectively.
Collet is the epitome of teenage exuberance and potential, striving for
another chance at life. Claudette Nevins demonstrates coldly efficient
expediency as Megan's agent, empathetic warmth and concern as her mother
and mischievous playfulness as her cat. Also lending solid support in
a variety of roles is Dave Higgins, totally believable as blue-collar
father, flamboyant hairdresser, harried TV director or the overly
solicitous Buddhist monk, who explains to Megan the shrine of "the water
children" who have been lost to abortion.
Director James wisely allows the work to evolve seamlessly, without
heavy use of blackouts, stage furniture or props, thereby never allowing
the developing emotional intensity to ebb or falter. She is aided
immensely by the simple, modular set deign of Deborah Raymond and Dorian
Vernacchio, as well as the effectively sparse lighting of Keith Endo and
the mood enhancing sound design of Matthew C. Beville.
"The Water Children" is double cast. Alternate performances feature Pam
Dawber (Megan), Gregg Henry (Randall), Marilyn McIntyre (Agent/Mom/Cat),
Cindy Katz (Liz), Christopher Gorham (Chance), Time Winters
(Father/Roger/Jim/Priest), JD Cullum (Tony Dinardi), Sara Rue (Crystal).
Megan ................... Wendy Makkena
Randall ................. Don McManus
Kit/Mom/Cat ............. Claudette Nevins
Liz ..................... Sarah Zinsser
Chance .................. Christopher Collet
Tony Dinardi ............ Billie Worley
Crystal ................. Sarah Bibb
Dad/Roger/Jim/Priest .... Dave Higgins
The Matrix Theatre Co. presents a play in two acts by Wendy MacLeod,
directed by Lisa James. Producer, Joseph Stern; set design, Deborah
Raymond & Dorian Vernacchio; lighting design, Keith Endo; costume
design, Naomi Yoshido Rodriguez; sound design, Matthew C. Beville.
Opened, reviewed April 25, 1998; runs until July 13.
--
Danny in Yorktown, VA email: nit...@erols.com or nite...@aol.com
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