CHULA VISTA, California — In my growing up years, heaven was a place other people’s religions believed in. The one thing I knew for certain was Jews did not believe in heaven or hell. My friends and I talked that one to death – pardon the pun- when we got into philosophical discussions.
Well, so much for that piece of misinformation!
Later on and more studying proved that that even among the most learned of Jewish scholars there are as many theories about the afterlife as there are religious teachings that diverge among the various movements. They quote from biblical and other sources making a case for their very own followers.
Why all the talk now about heaven and the afterlife? Glad you asked.
OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista is presenting Bekah Brunstetter’s local premiere of Going To A Place Where You Already Are, a light comedy filled with levity, wisdom and heartfelt insight into the imaginations of those who are likely to question the concept of heaven and/or hell, including those who are slowly inching up in years and attending more funerals than weddings. (Another of Brustetter’s works was The Cake at the La Jolla Playhouse.)
Joe and Roberta have been married 29 years. They are at that stage in their lives when we find them in church attending a friend’s funeral. They are very attentive but also making fun of the eulogy and giggling like misbehaved children mocking and being silly.
During the banter we learn that Joe is a committed atheist and Roberta is leaning in the direction of yes-there-could-be-a- heaven. She’s what one might refer to as a recovering atheist.
Roberta also needs some medical attention. Her back hurts and she’s feeling a bit uncomfortable — so much so Joe schedules an appointment to diagnose whatever is that’s bothering her. They discover more tests are needed to firm up an early diagnosis where they found clusters of tumors. They schedule her for an MRI. Himself a doctor, Joe is supportive.Roberta is very concerned as she has claustrophobia. Joe reminds her that there is an emergency button that can stop the machine any time.
Young Ellie, Joe’s granddaughter, doesn’t have time for thoughts of the afterlife. She’s in her thirties and very busy with her own life. When we meet her she’s having sex with Jonas, a young paraplegic she just met. The two hit it off and while it’s a rocky relationship in the beginning they have their own ‘stuff’ to deal with.
A phone call from Roberta interrupts their after-sex cuddling and allows us a connection between the two couples with Roberta telling Ellie of her experience having the MRI and the after effects of the findings. Could Ellie, as well, believe in heaven?
When Roberta first wakes from her MRI, she is in a place she can’t identify. A man in white is shadowing her, and while it is never spoken, we imagine she is in heaven. She’s smiling, upbeat and walking on air, so to speak.
She indulges in an ice cream cone and is deliriously happy. Her personal angel is at her beck and call, even showing up at Ellie’s when she insists on smoking after she promised her grandmother she had stopped.
What a pleasant time I had watching my neighbor Jody Catlin in the part of Roberta. As she is in real life when we meet on our morning walks and talks, her big and bubbly personality flows over to her person as Roberta.
In director Hannah Logan’s wonderfully wistful and reflective ‘Place,” Jody’s smile is contagious. It is an absolute delight to see her practicing her craft as the understanding adult in the room ready to take her place where, apparently, she believes she once was.
Director Logan skillfully and seamlessly moves the action back and forth in this 90-minute, time-traveling, if you will, tug-at-your-heartstrings play. I couldn’t imagine anyone else except Patrick Mayuyu as the Angel, who sings, dances (How about Chicago”?) and watches out for Ellie. There’s a big surprise bundled up for Roberta and the Angel midway through that will keep you smiling through tears. No spoilers.
Richard Rivera, last seen by yours truly in Coronado Playhouse’s “King Charles III, is a perfect match as Roberta’s husband, supporter companion and atheist who can’t fathom anyone believing in an afterlife. They make a truly believable and compassionate couple facing the prospect of separation by death.
Miguel Góngora, Jr. makes a case for inclusiveness and truth as the handicapped boyfriend who will have no one sympathize or help him as he manages the role with dignity. Heather Warren’s Ellie comes on strong after she visits Roberta and decides to turn her life around.
Ron Logan’s set has easily defined spaces: a church pew, a hospital room/bed, heaven with giant ice cream sundaes, Ellie’s apartment. and Roberta and Joe’s living room. Quinn Schuster’s lighting of heaven is heavenly. Matt Warburton’s sound and Natalia Araiza’s casual costumes reflect the characters. Angel appears in all in shades of white and Jody’s always has flowing costumes following after her.
And now for the million-dollar question to myself: If I was already at the place I had already been, why am I in no hurry to return?
Talk among yourselves.
See you at the theatre.
Dates: Through Feb.16th
Organization: OnStage Playhouse
Phone: 619-422-7787
Production Type: Comedy
Where: 291 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA
Ticket Prices: $25.00
Web: onstageplayhouse.org
Photo Credit: Daren Scott
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Carol Davis is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via carol.davis@sdjewishworld.com