In a month filled with some of the best shows I’ve been privileged to see in the Richmond area, HATTheatre’s production of The Quality of Life is not only a “quality” production; but it is also a shining example of what the Acts of Faith Festival is all about.

Two cousins, Jeannette (Jacqueline Jones) and Dinah (Kerrigan Webb Sullivan) live far apart — both geographically and in the way they live their lives. Each is facing tragedies in their lives. Straight laced, Midwestern Christians Dinah and her husband Bill (Scott Melton) have lost their only daughter in a brutal murder. Jeannette and her husband Neil (Michael Hawke) who are the epitome of the laid back love child generation, have lost just about everything they own in a California wildfire; and Neil is also in the final stages of terminal cancer.

Both couples must find a way to deal with their grief and make it through the day. Dinah and Bill choose their religion while Jeannette and Neil use “pagan” and worldly means (a little wine, and a little marijuana). Jeannette and Neil are a combination of Roseanne, the Keatons (“Family Ties”) and Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy all rolled up into one.

HATTheatre’s intimate stage is the perfect venue for this intimate tale, where these characters in the hands of the talented veteran cast bare their souls. Director Deejay Gray masterfully allows his actors to perform from their hearts and utilize even silence, stage business and physical gestures powerfully.

Melton and Sullivan effectively display a couple who must mask their feelings in an attempt to be strong for one another. However it is the brilliant performances of Hawke and Jones which make it nearly impossible to not shed a tear or two. It is also nearly impossible to not feel Neil’s physical pain as embodied by Hawke.

So many issues are explored in Jane Anderson’s script. How do you pick up the pieces after a tragedy? What do we do when we can’t change our circumstances? What is precious in our lives, yet what is more invaluable than our memories? In the end, do we let anger win by putting poison into our systems (like chemo)?

Gray, also designed the set along with Amber Davis and Vickie Scallion and created a perfect campsite on the spot where Jeannette and Neil’s home once sat. It uses the small stage space well to display essences of what was once a couple’s life. The opening and closing scene, however, also take place in Bill and Dinah’s living room, and I would have liked to see more of a delineation of the space with either a small moveable flat or more direct lighting.

Beyond that, this is a flawless dramatic comedy that will leave you talking about both the performers and life itself, well after you leave the theater.

Photo Gallery

Cast	Scott Melton and Kerrigan Webb Sullivan
Jacqueline Jones and Michael Hawke	Jacqueline Jones and Scott Melton

Photos by Vickie L Scallion

The Cast

• Neil: Michael Hawke
• Jeannette: Jacqueline Jones
• Bill: Scott Melton
• Dinah: Kerrigan Webb Sullivan

The Crew

• Director: Deejay Gray
• Production Assistant: Amber Davis
• Rehearsal Assistant: Kelsey Cordrey
• Lighting Design: Michael Jarett
• Scenic, Costume and Sound Design: Deejay Gray with Amber Davis and Vickie L. Scallion
• Light Board Operator: Nick Dauley
• House Manager/ Sound Board Operator: Vickie L. Scallion

Disclaimer: HATTheatre provided two complimentary media tickets to ShowBizRadio for this review.

As those of you who have been reading my reviews know, my full time “day job” has been teaching for over 30 years, so it was only appropriate that my first “talk-back” would be with a group of kids: the four young actors who play siblings in HATTheatre’s production of Over the Tavern.

These four (Eric Brenner, who plays the lead role of Rudy; older brother Michael Tatum, Eddie; Nick Dauley who portrays mentally challenged brother Georgie and Kathleen Baughn as emotional sister Annie) are just as interesting, personable and different in real life as they are on stage.

For those who missed my review, the play focuses on a Catholic family, in the 1950’s, who live over the tavern their father owns. Rudy, who attends Catholic school, is questioning his faith and thinking about other religions. Ironically, none of the four young actors are themselves Catholic (although Baughn does attend Catholic School). Brenner is Jewish; Tatum, Christian; Baughn Episcopalian — although her father’s family is Catholic; and Dauley said he is Pastafarian — believing that a spaghetti god came down from the sky (yes, it was that kind of a talk back!) It was fascinating how each of these young actors brought diversity to their roles, yet also used it as a religious educational experience. Brenner says he has used the role to impress his Catholic friends with his newfound knowledge of Catechism. Tatum explained that a theme he has taken from the play is that Christians need to show society that they can be Christians without being seen as judgmental.

Each of the four has taken a unique path to becoming an actor, although each realized it was something they would want to do at a very young age. Dauley says he remembers watching the movie “Neverland” when he was 4. He told his mother that was what he wanted to be when he grows up. When she asked if he meant Peter Pan, he replied, no, I want to be the person who plays Peter Pan!

Baughn says she and her cousins have always put on shows and danced around together. Tatum says he has always been outgoing and not afraid to talk in front of people.

Brenner explains that when he was a “younger” child of like 5, he used to hear a song on the radio once or twice and immediately memorize it. He would then “get into the mood” of the song and perform it. His first stage experience came when his mother was cast in the ensemble of a production of Oliver. He auditioned and was cast in the lead part. Having performed in comedies, musicals and dramas (like the part of the boy in 2012’s The Pillowman) he says his favorite role was in A Thousand Clowns, and he likes being in dramas the best.

It became immediately apparent that the four performers act like siblings even off stage. Tatum says they like to “goof around” and all seemed to enjoy “goofing” on Dauley the most (and he seemed to enjoy the attention). They explained that Dauley loves to load up on carbs and eats five bags of Goldfish crackers, hot dogs, pizza sandwiches and dinosaur eggs in his oatmeal in a day. Baughn stated that just like real siblings, they get along most of the time, but other times she just likes them to leave her alone. Tatum pointed out that he has communicated with girls at Baughn’s all girls Catholic School through her, just like a real big brother would do!

While they still have time to decide, Dauley says he plans to go to VCU, so he doesn’t have to pay to live at a dorm and will live at home (which of course lead to teasing from his sibs). Tatum says he wants to go to a school like Virginia Tech or UVA where he can use his Science background from attending L.C. Birds High Schools Governor’s Academy for Engineering and his theater background to do something like set design. Baughn would like to go to Iowa State and study Creative Writing, while minoring in U.S. History and doing some acting (which I loved since I teach Creative Writing, History and Drama!). Brenner pointed out that it is thinking far ahead, but he also wants to find a school that has both a technology program and an acting program (like VCU or MIT).

When I pointed out that they could certainly be seen as role models for their peers, they were each very humble, yet each had an example of things they do that would certainly prove this point, in addition to their acting careers. Tatum helps out younger kids through Christian Youth Theater and bible studies. Brenner skipped a grade in school, is younger and smaller than most of his classmates and understands how kids would feel to be bullied. Baughn helps her mother, who is a second grade teacher, with her students after school. Dauley says he does community service and also considers himself a role model when it comes to fashion (although his schoolmates don’t all agree, he definitely has his own unique style!)

Whether they see themselves as role models, or not, I do, and I hope you will see them this weekend in Over the Tavern at HATTheatre.

Photo Gallery

Photo provided by HATTheatre

One of the last entries in the Acts of Faith Festival to open, was also my first opportunity to experience the HATTheatre. Celebrating its 20th season, HATTheatre is “off the beaten path” off Patterson Avenue in a storefront.

Over the Tavern is kind of the 1950’s Catholics in Buffalo answer to Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs (about a Jewish family in NYC in the 1930s). Eric Brenner as the main character of the play, the wise-cracking Rudy, is indeed reminiscent of a young Matthew Broderick (with a touch of Charlie Brown added). The 7th grader has charm, charisma, and impeccable comedic timing; successfully carrying the focus of the show and keeping the audience engaged and entertained. Having taught youth theater for over 30 years (and seen only a handful make it in “the business”) this kid is one to watch as his career develops.

The same natural talent that caught my eye in his performance of “The Boy” in Cadence Theater’s The Pillowman was again evident in this production. Brenner is always “on.” He stays in character, maintains eye contact with the other performers, uses a great variety of facial expression and body movement, and displays natural inflection and projection. These are signs of natural talent that cannot be easily taught.

Just like Broderick’s character, Eugene in Brighton Beach, Rudy and his three siblings are experiencing puberty and sexual awareness; however in a Catholic family where these thoughts are sin. Rudy is questioning his faith and Catholic school education, much to the chagrin of his aging Catholic nun teacher, Sister Clarissa, masterfully portrayed by Jody Smith Strickler. Strickler is every Catholic kid’s worst nightmare (I’ve heard the stories) complete with clicker and ruler. She is commanding and harsh which makes her softer, inflective moments even more tender and heart-rending.

All three of Rudy’s stage siblings face their own challenges, and are well portrayed by the young actors. Michael Tatum is eldest child Eddie, a perfect mix between Wally Cleaver and Eddie Haskell. He is both Rudy’s tormentor and role model. Tatum shows the nuances between the brooding teen filled with anger at his father, and the caring older brother who tries to protect his siblings. Kathleen Baughn is Rudy’s bobby soxer sister Annie. She is the typical insecure and emotional teenage girl. Baughn does well at displaying Annie’s emotions and frequent tears without being over the top.

The highest praise though goes to another young performer; Nick Dauley as Rudy’s “retarded” younger brother, Georgie. As a special education teacher, I can affirm just how authentic Dauley’s performance is. In his cast bio, Dauley says “He spent a lot of time researching those with special needs, determined to bring truth and respect to the stage.” Well, his professionalism paid off. He is both consistent and endearing in the little mannerisms, tics, body movements and facial patterns of a child with autistic like tendencies. Even in moments when his character is not involved in the plot, Dauley gently rocks, sucks his thumb, slaps his face and other stage business that are true to life for a person such as Georgie.

Fawn LaBenz Matzer and Ken Moretti are Rudy’s parents Ellen and Chet. Matzer is the typical 50’s stay at home mom, while Chet is a lower class, forgetful and dimwitted father, and the owner of a Tavern downstairs from the family’s apartment. As Rudy says, Chet is no Robert Young. He is brooding and distant, yet clearly loves his family — even his drunk (and never seen father) Pops. While there is great chemistry between the siblings and between the parents and the siblings, things just didn’t seem to click in the relationship between the parents. While the script varied between fighting and warmth, that warmth and tenderness just never seemed to come through.

Amidst the laughs are some serious messages about physical, verbal and emotional abuse. As Sister Clarissa says “rulers and broomsticks aren’t the only things that cause damage.”

Director Vickie L. Scallion effectively utilized the small stage and theater. The way things were set up, it almost felt like the audience was sitting with the family in their living room. Martha Kelley’s costumes were overall appropriate for the time, however Ellen did seem to be wearing pants more than housewives did at that time (we old timers remember the fuss over Mary Tyler Moore on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” even in the early 60s).

Two notes as a first time attendee: it would have been a nice touch to play some 50’s music softly over the sound system before the show and at intermission (the audience sat silently listening to each other’s whispered conversations) and while the padded seats on the metal chairs were a nice touch, padding on the backs would help in audience comfort as well (I heard several audience members comment on this as they discussed this otherwise “delightful” show on their way out).

The audience is left to ponder Rudy’s questioning of his faith. Maybe we’re not here to suffer and avoid hell; maybe God put us here to have fun. Either way, I can guarantee you will have fun if you make time to see Over the Tavern. Even with a few swear words, this would be a great show to bring the older children to, as they witness future stars of their generation in the making.

Photo Gallery

Photo provided by HATTheatre

Cast

• Sister Clarissa: Jody Smith Strickler
• Rudy: Eric Brenner
• Georgie: Nick Dauley
• Ellen: Fawn LaBenz Matzer
• Eddie: Michael Tatum
• Annie: Kathleen Baughn
• Chet: Ken Moretti

Crew

• Director: Vickie L. Scallion
• Costumes: Martha Kelley

Disclaimer: HATTheatre provided two complimentary media tickets to ShowBizRadio for this review.