Whilst we are fortunate enough to be in a loving couple relationship we try to avoid thinking about what life would be like if we lost our trusted companion and lover. That is, losing not only a husband but a life partner and trying to make a difficult or emotionally fraught transition to being a widow? In the program notes Margaret Holdom, who plays the widow Ida, wrote a poignant tribute to her late husband Peter.
THE CEMETERY CLUB written by New Yorker Ivan Menchell examines the way society is centred around coupledom and flounders around the advent of widowhood. With Menchell’s play Ron Baker has taken on a challenging brief, and has excelled right down to the finer details of the script.
In his program note, Baker acknowledges the depth of research undertaken by every member of the cast to authentically recreate the New York characters.
This is an introspective and lively piece of Jewish drama with the three widows making many serious but comic references. For instance they see mirth in whether the Perpetual Cemetry Trust will “move Harry” if they dont pay the annual upkeep fee on his grave!
After the untimely death of their husbands the life-long friends meet for tea once a month, then go to the cemetry together and stand beside the tombstones of their departed partners and have one-on-one and not so private conversations with them.
In keeping with Jewish tradition,- when Ida kisses a small, smooth stone and places it upon her late husbands headstone – the compassion for her simple gesture equates to another mourner placing flowers on their loved-ones’ grave.
In the opening scene there is immediate impact – as the most vivacious widow, Lucille, played to the hilt by Julie Bailey – masquerading in her ‘new’ mink bought from the 57th Street Thrift Shop! There is sparring from Lucille’s friends Ida and Doris who imply that Lucille has self-appointed “tickets on herself” right down to discussing the intracacies of her mink fibre!
Paul Ractcliffe who controlled the sound effects during the prompt scene changes deserves special mention for his melancholic and sometimes uplifting Klezmer melodies. The Klezmer music was a great parallel to the script which was full of anguish, sarcasm, joy and humour.
Kate Clark makes a startling appearance – in purple satin bodice with ruched black net skirt – a minx in a cabaret- as a saucy cameo role as Mildred.
Laslo Weidlich is wonderful yet the subtle and under-stated ‘play-boy’ Sam Katz. With more than a passing resemblance to the hesitant Woody Allen, he elicited laughs from the audience with every entry on stage.
When one of their own members of the Cemetery Club passes on suddenly Lucille declares “I’m going to remember you pulling chicken wings out of your purse.”
This was an entertaining and uplifting night at the theatre. There are still a few night’s available to catch this memorable production.
The remaining performances are:-
Thursday 19th March at 8pm.
Friday 20th March at 8pm.
Saturday 21st March at 2pm.
Saturday 21st March at 8pm.
For more information and bookings visit the Company’s website:- http://www.wyongdramagroup.com.au.