By Eva Trieger
POWAY, California — In 1959, folk singer Pete Seeger wrote a song based on the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, which was later made popular by the Byrds. “Turn, Turn, Turn” or “To Everything There is a Season” has its roots in Ketuvim, yet the 2000+-year-old message is every bit as relevant today.
PowPac theatre’s current production is a spectacular reminder about the fragility of life and the complexities of communication in families who’ve experienced tragedy. Based on Judith Guest’s novel (1976), Ordinary People, this amazing little company brings us the eponymous play, adapted by Nancy Paul Gilsenan.
This particular production is especially close to the heart of PowPac and the larger theatre community as it follows the sudden, recent passing of writer-director-actor Brent Stringfield this past January. Filling his directing shoes, quite successfully for this show is Julia Smith. I know I was more than impressed and moved by the performances, dialogue and obvious devotion of the entire cast and crew.
This adaptation is thoughtful, tender and really engaging. Each character is complex and though the content is difficult, the mastery with its handling is spectacular. In brief the Jarrett family, Cal (Geoffrey Graeme) and Beth (Linda Englund), and their son, Conrad (Stephen Pickens) are dealing with the tragic loss of their son, and brother respectively, following an accident. Each member of the family processes the loss in his/her own way, clearly without being seen, heard or understood by each other. The sense of isolation, guilt, and grief are palpable in each character whether they are withholding or exploding with the overwhelming emotions.
Of course the ripple effect of loss and tragedy impacts all relationships and Conrad has trouble reconnecting with his friends and swim team buddies, Lazenby (Benjamin Jacob) and Stillman (Nicholas A. Castillo). Even Swim Team Coach Salan (Anandy Vyas) is aware of the hollowness and absence of commitment in one of his team. The locker room scenes feel authentic, jocularity between the teen boys, and even the fisticuffs ring true. The friendship between Conrad and new student, Jeannine (Jenine Domaoal), is sweetly innocent and dear. A more confusing relationship for Conrad is a tenuous bond with Karen Aldrich (Morgan Miller), the young woman he met during his hospital stay.
Dialogue and acting are especially magical and honest in scenes between Dr. Berger (Lucinda Moaney) and Conrad. The doctor is a no-nonsense, sometimes sarcastic and always empathic listener. Her ability to reach into the hurting psyche of her young patient is truly compelling.
The interactions and accusations between Cal and Beth are also worthy of note. Instead of talking to each other or even listening, it seems that the human “go to” is self-defense and harsh criticisms. Beth’s stoicism is unyielding, and Cal’s desire for peace and harmony causes him to accept her barbs, rather than fighting back.
Direction of this show was beautifully done by Julia Smith, who most assuredly did Stringfield and the entire community proud. The entire production was poignant, accented by moments of lightness and healing, reminding us that “there is a time to build up, a time to break down…and a time to every purpose under Heaven” 3:1-3.
Ordinary People will run through April 14, 2024. Tickets may be purchased online at boxoffice@powpac.org or by phone 858.679.8085.
*
Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.treger@sdjewishworld.com