There are two words that describe
“Living Out:” sup-erb perfection From the casting of the
smallest parts to the shining strong leads, to dialogue that bites
and cynically tickles, to a story line that brings home a situation
that is in our midst just about everywhere and is ignored by most
it stands oukt.
There are two words that describe “Living Out:” sup-erb perfection From the casting of the smallest parts to the shining strong leads, to dialogue that bites and cynically tickles, to a story line that brings home a situation that is in our midst just about everywhere and is ignored by most it stands oukt.
And add to it the telescoping background of the clever set by Erik E. Sinkkonen that just about stays the same but projects the moment, to the magnificent direction of Armendo Molina that envelops the viewer inside the play as a up close and personal voyeur.
Author Lois Loomer says it loud and clear with a mix of English and Spanish words that cut through the sometime poignantly funny, politically incorrect plot with heart-wrenching clarity.
Isabelle S. Ortega plays Ana, a Salvadoran refugee who must make choices that create a situation of neglecting her own children to take a job as a nanny for an ambitious lawyer, (played by the ever solid Rebecca Dines), who is trying to get back on track in the rat race after having her baby. Ortega handles the role like a piece of beautiful detailed tapestry. She doesn’t miss a look or a movement she is Ana Hernandez.
Director Armando Molina traces a delicate line between Ana the immigrant and Nancy the driven workaholic to show their parallels that makes the statement that both are trying to reach the same goal but how different it is for the affluent and the poor. He makes his characters feel and moves the production at just the right pace that keeps answering the audience’s questions as they are being asked.
If you are looking for a solid evening of fine theater “Living Out” is as solid as you can get.
Camille Bounds is the arts and entertainment editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publications.
