We can intellectualize the transition of
“My Antonia” from Willa Cather’s book to its stage adaptation
and direction by Scott Schwartz from here until the next millennium
but we go to the theatre to enjoy and relax.
We can intellectualize the transition of “My Antonia” from Willa Cather’s book to its stage adaptation and direction by Scott Schwartz from here until the next millennium but we go to the theatre to enjoy and relax.
“My Antonia” can be an enjoyable experience.
It can be cumbersome at times; it unfolds as if you were watching Van Gogh paint a landscape that gives off that simple, edgy feeling of bottled-up energy that seems to go off into infinity and ends up as something of beauty that you enjoy looking at.
Blended into the set are four musicians that make up the mortar and paste, holding the play together with interesting background music by Stephen Schwartz – of the stage production “Wicked” and “Pocahontas” and “The Prince of Egypt” on film – and yes he is Scott’s Father.
The plot is predictable but interesting. The play takes three hours with three acts but holds the audience and moves through the epic at a fast pace, (unlike the book). The stage crew should be given an award for an amazing forty-four plus precision smooth scene changes. Any snafus opening night were undetectable.
Musical director William Liberatore, costume designer Clare Henkel, lighting designer Pamila Gray and scenic designers Joe Ragey and Daniela Nelka are at the top of their craft with this production.
The story is seen through the nostalgic memories of the lead character Jim Burden, (Michael Butler) as he returns after 20 years to the place of his youth. He visits vivid memories of moments of his life, to perhaps have closure with his past and finally realize a better future. Butler carries the role with depth and feeling and shines throughout the production.
Young Jim (Ian Leonard) handles the transition from a gangly teen-ager to a sensitive, naive young man with believability and charm. The physical changes he presents are interesting and well done.
Antonia (Jessica Meyers) move from exuberant Bohemian immigrant teenager to womanhood is not quite the smooth shift as Leonard’s but is well carried off as you watch her falter through the searching curiosity of her life to reaching for the unattainable to acceptance and a form of bittersweet happiness.
Lina Lingred (Lianne Marie Dobbs) is well cast as the feisty Swedish flirt, who knows what she wants and gets what she reaches.
Theatreworks has the courage to walk the perilous tight rope and takes chances on new works. The hazard of finance and time are ever present on this type of venture but so far they have chosen well and the theater-going public have had the benefit of great theater. How fortunate for all of us.
This world premiere production will be responsible for a fine evening of drama and interesting theater, well worth the three hours spent.
