Finding Home
“This Girl Laughs,
This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing,” a fairy tale of sorts, is written by
Finegan Kruckemeyer and directed by Tamara Carroll. It is playing at their space, 2257 NW Raleigh
(parking in this area is a challenge, so plan your time accordingly), through March
3rd. For more information, go
to their site at www.cohoproductions.org
As in one of the most famous, magical tales of a young girl,
Dorothy, trying to find her heart’s desire, she discovers she must go over the
rainbow to find out what she had in her own backyard was where her heart, and
home, lay. But, in order to realize
that, she did have to go far afield. As
in this tale of three girls that must traverse the world wide, in body, mind
and soul, in order to find the self same place.
This story is not uncommon in lore. Within this story are the shades of “Johnny
Appleseed,” “The Fantasticks,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Hansel and Gretel”
“The Wizard of Oz,” and even, “Seven Samurai.”
We all desire to find our purpose in the world but that does not come
easily. Travel, tears and trials await
those who seriously seek solace. And
such it is with these characters.
Albienne (Jen Rowe), the eldest of three girls, Beatrix
(Beth Thompson), the middle daughter, and Carmen (Alex Ramirez de Cruz), the
youngest, all grew up living happily in the forest with their father (Duffy
Epstein) and mother (Sharon Mann). But tragedy
strikes even the happiest of families and, with that, often separation.
One went off to become a great warrior in the rural areas
and leader of men. Another traversed the
wide sea and found a purpose in one of the great cities. And the third simply stayed where she was in
the forest and became friends with the animals, until a young traveler (Conor
Eifler) came calling. But, although a
certain contentment settled in, they still had not found “Home.” And to discover all the adventures they go
through, you’ll have to see it.
Although, as mentioned, the story may seem familiar, it is
in the telling that’s the magic wand to this production’s enjoyment. It is told in a story-telling fashion with
all the actors narrating and playing all the various roles needed to cement the
tale, along with, of course, a high degree of imagination from the audience to
fill in the blanks. The set (Kaye
Blankenship), costumes (Jenny Ampersand), lighting (Jennifer Lin) and props (Sarah
Andrews) are all minimal, but very specific as needed, for the relating of this
epic journey over many miles and several years.
Carroll has done an amazing job of not only choosing the
perfect cast but also of keeping the story stream-lined for the audience so
that they don’t get confused. Rowe,
Thompson and de Cruz are exceptional as the three daughters and I couldn’t
imagine anyone else in these roles.
Epstein is always an asset to any production and this is no
exception. Mann is a wonderful character
actor and I loved her “Lighthouse Lady.”
And Eifler, as the young man, and sometimes narrator, rounds out a
magical cast.
I thoroughly enjoyed this production and would recommend
it. If you do choose to see it, please
tell them Dennis sent you.
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