John (Taylor Minckley), who had been dependent upon his sister to make his choices and protect him, must fend for himself in her absence. He aligns himself with his father, becomes a soldier during the Viet Nam era, and follows in the footsteps of the father Jen had tried to protect him from.
The second act finds Jen as a single mother, during the 70’s era, raising her son John, named after her brother, (also played by Taylor Minckley). She is a loving, smothering, controlling mother to a John who unlike her brother seeks his own way without her hands-on involvement.
Jen struggles with the guilt of leaving her brother unprotected in a way one might imagine a loving mother would were she to leave her child behind in an abusive household. With her own son to make things right Jen is determined to be there for him, whether he likes it or not. This is humorously played out in a baseball scene where Jen has been given specific direction by John to, for lack of better words, but out, where instead she acts out… in disagreement with a referees call.
The cast; consisting of Ann Villella with expressive soprano vocals portrays fear of her abusive father and strength to protect her younger brother. Taylor Minckley whose range required him to personify two characters, from childhood through adolescents and adulthood rose to the challenge. Their musical theatre voices are tailor -made for this production which allows for lovely ballads and comedy numbers. The singers perform the entire show without microphones, the musical accompaniment of a synthesized orchestra and percussionist filled the room.
The physical production of the show is clever. The show is played out on three subdivisions with the use of a screen to keep the audience abreast of the period changes.
The story is a timeless and heart-wrenching exploration of the relationships between siblings and between parents and children. So bring your brother, sister, father or mother - and bring some extra Kleenex.
Closes 11/16 ...be sure to get your tickets: http://nohoartsdistrict.com/theatres/arts/secret-rose-theatre/378-john-jen