NoHo hosts a handful of storefront theatres. Having just lauded the wonderfulness of what these tiny spaces do for art and the theatre community, I was drawn to see a west coast premiere at The Sherry.
Jennifer Blackmer's "Unraveled" brings reflections of sad stories that almost every person we know may face at one time or another. Time marches on. In fact, what may be the "illusion" of time emerges as the theme of the play. Joy (Meg Wallace) is a professor of Physics and Philosophy, an interesting mix that fuels the progress of the story. Her opening speech turns on the idea that not unlike Billy Pilgrim in Vonnegut's "Slaughter House Five" we may slide back and forth in time, which she actually does, encountering her mother at different episodes in their lives together.
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Front: Meg Wallace, Carolyn Crotty Rear: Kathy Bell Denton, Heidi Shon
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Joy's elderly mother, George (Kathy Bell Denten) has been diagnosed with cancer and suffers from chemotherapy induced dementia. When Joy is drawn back to her childhood we meet Young George: Carolyn Crotty.
As the story advances... and retreats in time, Joy travels back to significant memories in her life. The closely bonded mother and daughter wind down the ever challenging road to the inevitable.
Director Steve Jarrard shows great empathy for Blackmer's story. It's evident that the level of experience of each of the cast members varies considerably.. Anna (Heidi Shon), the nurse caretaker for the elderly George, moves smoothly. More static is Michael, Joy's assistant/lover (Drew Lee Davis Wheeler).
Unraveled by Jennifer Blackmer
The Sherry Theater
11052
Magnolia Blvd.
North
Hollywood, CA 91601
Nov. 15-Dec. 8
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Sundays at 7 p.m.
Tickets and Information:
(323) 860-6569
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