By Carol Davis
CARLSBAD, California—Toward the end of Scott Hudson’s new play, Sweet Storm now in a heartwarming production at New Village Arts Theatre, when Bo (Adam Brick) is holding Ruthie (Kelly Iversen) and they are swaying to the lulling sounds of “Sleep Walking”, your heart wants to beam and break at the same time.
Hudson’s new play, now making its West Coast premiere at the Carlsbad site is a bittersweet love story, albeit not quite yet finished, and a perfect project for Brick, Iverson and first time director, Daren Scott. They’ve got the beat, the feeling and tone just right.
Set in a tree house (Tim Wallace) in Lithia Springs, Florida in the fall of 1960, and hurricane season, newly weds Bo and Ruthie, spend their honeymoon night atop a tree that had once served as the place they shared their first kiss and where Bo had proudly carved the name Ebenezer. (“The Lord has helped me thus far”.) Or still yet the Hebrew translation, “Stone of the help”. (Carved in stone?)
Bo is an up and coming preacher, a calling his father before him held. We catch up with them on their honeymoon night as Bo carries Ruthie (slung across his shoulders) into their tree house sanctuary and unceremoniously drops her on the bed, both soaking wet from a rainstorm outside. Not to be deterred by the weather, Bo is a happy little camper having surprised Ruthie this way with hopes of living happily ever after in their little honeymoon suite. She is a bit more of a realist and tries to ground her husband’s lofty ideas with more practical ones.
In trying to convince her that this is the ideal spot for a honeymoon, he has decorated their get away with her favorite gardenias and filled the cooler with Coke, peanuts and a chocolate cake, to be eaten later. He even brought along a transistor radio that crackled with music, and weather forecasts.
It’s apparent, after a few minutes, that Ruthie has lost the use of her legs (some reference to an iron lung suggests polio) and she is completely at the mercy of her new husband, (particularly in this situation) up to and including his helping her on the bed pan to relieve herself. O.K. There is a brief uncomfortable shift from side to side but after this icebreaker, we learn a little more about the two; their upbringing, families and even their relationship with their God; Bo is a firm believer and she well… she’s a firm questioner. He hears the calling and is ready to move anywhere, anytime and she wants to stay put.
Lot’s of local references to shared experiences and hometown folk are bandied about and Bo makes a few feeble attempts to get closer and possibly consummate the marriage, but she’s able to divert and change the subject. He is patient and willing to wait. In fact at one time she has him down on his knees praying using as an alter, an old orange crate (Bonnie Durben’s props are great.)
But there is more to this relationship than just pillow talk about the neighbors and quoting the (Gospel?) bible and I know that their vernacular is quite different than mine. As born and bred liberal New Englander from Kennedy country, this talk and way of thinking pushes the limits of my understanding but Hudson makes me listen to the rhythm and texture of his words.
About half way through Hudson’s seventy-minute play-let, reality surfaces when Ruthie admits in a moment of awakening and unbridled honesty, “I’m scared and weakened,” she whispers, drawing back. What more is there to say as the rain continues to patter on the roof (Tim Wallace) and the storm gains hurricane strength?
Hudson’s gift to this little piece, aside from the local gossip, is his ability to lead up to the honesty and humility of two young people about to embark on a lifetime commitment slowly and with conviction, and not make it silly or crude. Scott, on his outing as first time director, has taken the ball and delivered the goods with a firm and understanding hand while both Iverson and Brick reach into our hearts and give us a feel good feeling as they tackle the challenges, both real and imagined, presented them in this simple love story.
Short, sweet and to the point, some say about this piece. This is true. A less abrupt landing with a little more runway time might be in order, storm on the horizon or not. But then again, a little imagination goes a long way. Enjoy.
See you at the theatre.
Dates: Through May 15th
Organization: New Village Arts Theatre
Phone: 760-433-3245
Production Type: Comedy
Where: 2787 State Street, Carlsbad
Ticket Prices: $20.00-$40.00
Web: newvillagearts.org
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Theatre critic Davis is based in San Diego. She may be contacted at carol.davis@sdjewishworld.com