"The Shadow Box,'' the 1977 Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning dramatic episodic play by Michael Cristofer that addresses mortality, is now being presented by The Vagabond Players Theatre Company in North Hollywood. Three families residing in cottages tucked away in the woods by a lake confront the inevitable last days of their terminally ill loved ones.
As the play begins we meet Joe, (P.J. Waggaman), an everyday simple man who awaits the arrival of his wife and daughter. Upon their arrival, Joe learns that his wife Maggie (Linda Mayer) has not told their daughter Stevie (Cheyann Dillion) of his prognosis. Joe desires a peaceful, content family parting. Maggie refuses to accept Joe's circumstances, causing strife, bickering and insight into their history together.
A second, less traditional family finds Brian (Michael Homeier) as the terminally ill intellectual who takes a philosophical approach to his demise. Brian shares his final days with Mark (Michael James Thompson), his partner/mate. Mark had picked Brian's pocket during their first meeting returning what he stole the next day, thus beginning their relationship. Mark credits Brian for providing a room, conversation, books and an intrinsic sense of salvation. Rounding out their family is Beverly, (Catherine Michaels) Brian's free spirit ex-wife. Beverly and Brian share a history of experiences and memories of carefree days. They dance and laugh in stark contrast to Mark's role of nurse maid.
The third family consists of a mother, Felicity (Sandi Steinberg), and daughter Agnes (Bonnie Lawrence). Agnes, the long-suffering dutiful caretaker, desires to be loved, acknowledged and appreciated by her mother. Felicity, whose memory lapses, constantly calls out for her Claire, her absentee daughter. Felicity holds out for Claire's arrival. Stuffing down frustration and disappointment, Agnes awaits the death of her mother. .
Throughout the play, family members engage in one-on-one conversations with The Interviewer, (Thaine Allison) an offstage voice. Asking poignant questions, their responses are confessional in nature ranging from anger and frustration to flip and resolute.
This episodic structure allows all three families to share the stage as overlapping story lines are seamlessly woven together. The audience experiences three different prospectives on the same outcome!
The performances of Sandi Steinberg and Bonnie Lawrence were raw and perfectly balanced. Bonnie's recounting to the interviewers of Claire and Felicity's relationship was pivotal in understanding their family dynamics.
P.J. Waggaman's frazzled husband and Linda Mayer's detached wife felt genuine as a polarized couple who initially doesn't seem to be a fit. Cheyanne Dillion works well with the duo as the foul mouth, oblivious, self-centered guitar playing, all-about-me Daddy's girl.
Michael Homeier and Michael J. Thompson present a sensitive and touching odd couple. Michael Homeier's choice to play Brian with a cavalier touch stabilizes Michael J. Thompson's uneasiness. Catherine Michael's whacky style, bohemian manner and sass gives a refreshing and memorable performance as the narcissistic ex-wife coming to pay her last respects to the living.
Cheyanne Dillion breezes in and out as a true teen might, oblivious to the world's calamities, is right on as a light-of-his-life daddy's girl.
Thaine Allison has a voice that could move mountains, filled with strength and confidence. Thaine is incredible as the interviewer.
The direction under Catherine Michaels was light and pure. The staging was that of a seasoned ballet choreographer, beautifully seamless. Cheers are to be given to Catherine for allowing a piece, that could be complicated and heavy, to be something relatable and compassionate.
"The Shadow Box'' is not depressing. It is sad in that there is little delight in letting go and embracing finality. We watch these three families and wonder what it will be like if and when we're in their shoes.
http://www.thevagabondplayers.com/production/shadow-box-by-michael-cristofer/