There is a deal of courage in Katherine Gerard’s decision to knock on Cal Porter’s door during her latest visit to the Big Apple. With it she knew she would be confronting a very painful part of her past.

Katherine hasn’t seen Cal for a very long time, at her son’s memorial service. Her gay son died of AIDS, at the height of the epidemic which ended the lives of so many.

At the service Katherine was coldly indifferent to Cal. There was a lot of stuff around her son’s life that she hadn’t been dealing with.

Some twenty years later, and after the recent death of her husband, would she now be better placed to find some peace, some acceptance?!

MOTHERS AND SONS is very much Katherine’s story/journey. At first Katherine comes across as a frosty, bitter woman and I didn’t care so much.

As her story unfolded however, she began to thaw and I started to warm to her struggle…

Terrence McNally’s play is sensitively wrought, and Anne Tenney gives a very fine, memorable performance in the lead. Tenney never lost focus in her portrayal of this anguished woman who is starting, at last, to ‘look into the fire’…

Jason Langley gives a very sympathetic as the big hearted Cal who hangs in  with Katherine long after many other souls would have lost their patience.

Tim Draxl is convincing as Cal’s new partner, Will, who is am much more abrupt and temperamental character, and the play features some edgy, battle of will scenes between Will and Katherine.

Thomas Fisher almost steals the show in a very warm and endearing performances as Cal and Will’s  boy, Bud.

The play is set in the living room of Cal and Will’s stylish New York apartment with a sleek, compact design by Rodney Fisher. Scott Allan puts all the cast in the best light. Nick Curnow’s good work pays off with the cast holding their American accents well.

Recommended, Terrence McNally’s MOTHERS AND SONS is playing the Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli until Sunday 27th September. This show is playing in tandem with THE BOOK CLUB, so best to check performance times on http://www.ensembletheatre.com.au

Director- Sandra Bates, Assistant Director- Elizabeth Gordon.

Cast:- Connor Burke- Bud Ogden- Porter, Tim Draxl- Will Ogden, Thomas  Fisher- Bud Ogden -Porter, Jason Langley- Cal Porter, Anne Tenney- Katherine Gerard

Crew:- Rodney Fisher- Designer, Scott Allan- Lighting Designer, Rebecca Poulton- Stage Manager, Alana Canceri- Wardrobe Co-ordinator, Nick Curnow- Dialect Coach