Mapping Out A Life
This intense musical is based on the graphic novel by Alison
Bechdel, music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. It is directed by Chris Coleman (PCS’s
Artistic Director), music direction by Rick Lewis and conductor/pianist, Eric
Little. It is playing at their space in
The Armory, 128 W. 11th Ave. (parking can be a problem in this area,
so plan your time accordingly), through October 22nd. For more information, go to their site at www.pcs.org or call 503-445-3700.
It comes in with a whimper and goes out with a roar. Those were my immediate thoughts when the
play had ended, as it starts out like it might be just another ordinary,
forgettable musical about a dysfunctional family, but ends up packing more than
a one-two punch to the solar plexus by the time it’s over. I’m sure everyone looks back on their life at
some point, but it seems to be up to the writers to express those experiences
on paper. It is cathartic to examine
one’s life, of course, but a writer/artist goes one step further, as when
spilling their guts onto a canvas, they are also opening up the veins of
others, so that they can emphasize with those situations and know they are not
alone. “And so it goes…” as Vonnegut
would say.
Alison (Allison Mickelson) is just such a writer, in
actuality, a graphic writer/designer of a novel. She chooses to write of her growing-up years
in PA during the 70’s. She looks at
herself when she was a young, school girl (Aida Valentine), and when she was a
college student (Sara Masterson) and those formative years, mostly with her
family. She has a rather conservative
mom, Helen (Faith Sandberg) and a dad, Bruce (Robert Mammana), who was a rather
“free spirit.” She, of course,
identified more with her dad because of this semi-rebellious nature (what child
wouldn’t). And she also had two
brothers, Christian (Karsten George) and John (Theo Curl).
Alison notices, as she’s growing up, that she’s beginning to
change in her feelings toward boys and especially, girls. She does not care for dresses but prefers
jeans, likes getting dirty over being clean and proper, prefers alone time than
being social, etc. Only her father seems
to sympathize with her, and for good reason, as he has had friends (Joe
Knispel) over the years and they seem to disappear for long periods of time
together. It is only when she gets to
college and meets Joan (Kristen DiMercurio) that she discovers love and her
true self. But through a tragic end to
one of the family, she discovers also the pain of hiding one’s true self to
satisfy an unforgiving and ignorant society.
Can’t tell you more without revealing plot devices but would
have spent more time on certain songs, as they were not only well written and
revealing and also well performed but, for some reason, they weren’t listed! The best I can do is flounder around a bit
and tell you some of the situations.
There is a very upbeat song from the “kids” regarding a commercial for their
Dad’s funeral home; Joan has a song about her feelings; there is a song about a
“raincoat of love;” Helen has a insightful song about living on Maple Ave.;
Alison and her Dad have a touching song regarding telephone wires; and Bruce
has a searing solo toward the end. All
of these are powerfully delivered and should be credited!
Coleman has done a marvelous job of connecting stories and
characters over the years in a limited space and doesn’t leave us confused as
to where and when we are in the story.
And his cast is spot-on, too, as they all are perfect for their
roles. I especially liked the two
Alison’s of her youth (Valentine and Masterson), who were both top-notch in singing
and acting. Lewis/Little, too, and their
orchestra add to the show’s success. And
the set, by master designer, William Bloodgood, was not only functional for
such a complicated story but artistic as well.
Great job!
One might be inclined to say this is not for the young but I
would disagree, as that is exactly who should see it, with appropriate guidance
from professionals, of course. True, it
is about sensitive issues but it is also about real experiences in Life,
too. This may not only open your eyes
but could save lives as well. A couple
of phone numbers that might be helpful are:
a Crisis Line at 503-988-4888 and a Gender identity line at
503-872-9664.
I recommend this show.
If you do choose to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.
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