THE WINTER VIEW

There are satifical comedies, farce comedies, romantic comedies, and then there are romantic comedies with dramatic overtones.

A Winter View, produced by Gertrude Jeannette and the H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players is labeled on the playbill as a "light romantic comedy." However, a sentimental drama with seriocomedic overtones would be a more fitting and precise definition of this play.

The core of the story centers around a man, Amos (played by Ralph McNair), who is in his sixties, and is coming to terms with, not so much the tragic loss of his wife (although it sure does seem to suggest that), but the realization that he is left alone and cannot quite handle the prospect of a new life without his beloved wife.

Aside from grieving and feeling more vulnerable than ever in his life, his inconsiderate and bratty daughter, Samantha (played by Alexandra Foucard) is a crucible of conflict, anger, and gross naivate. A disaster brewing in the horizon. Between Amo's inner turmoil and outer flux of constant and sweeping changes and events happening around him, reminding him that nothing really remains the same forever, and that "change" (what he mostly fears) not only will occur, but must occur, the women of his congregation in which he serves as a deacon, circulate around him like sharks, ready to do anything he desires or requests. A man couldn't be in a better position!

Now, the story doesn't end there. It bearly scratches the surface. Queenie (played by veteran actress and Audelco award nominee for best supporting actress,Valarie Tekosky) is the best friend of Amos' late wife, who also is a widow herself, and, consequently, becomes suddenly enraptured in a romantic, but akward position. This aspect of the story, like binary stars which orbit around each other, make a homogenous core in which the rest of the play, slowly, like a symphony, "revolves" around it. Both are hurting, alone, and afrad
for the future.

It is a fact that we learn more about ourselves through the agency of those around us. Few directors in the business pay attention to this detail nowadays-especially on the stage. There are many reasons for this, I suppose, but I am thankful (and so was the audience on both ocasions that I viewed this production) that Mr. Nixon accented this detail; that brings me to the church ladies, Mattie (played by Kimerleee Monroe), and Florence (played by Cookie Winborne), they remind me of the cartoon characters of two comedic crow birds, "Heckel and Jeckle" or the crazy and wild antics of "Thelma and Louise." Their performance added color, personality, and served as a pscyhological "buffer" to the heavy drama that always seemed to take place at the household. An excellent "gauge" against "emotional overwhelmness," something the audience appreciated.

Then there's Rosco (played by Rodney Sheley, whom should be nominated for next year's Audelco Award for best supporting actor). A phenomenal performance. Rosco represents the "glue" or "solvent" that adds rythmn and tempo throughout the run of the play. All characters illuminated different aspects of Amos which allowed for a three dimensional "view" into the character. It was believable, real, and very mcuh a common reality among our senior citizens.

Director Ward Nixon's style of directing is extremely refreshing. The congruent picture which has emerged from his methodical approach to this property is absolutely spectacular; reminding us all that what separates us from the animals are still the foundational cornerstone of any advancement the human race committs to. Growth is inevitable. It's linear, but always, and consistantly evolving.

The refrences to the set designs and use of props were the most exhausted ever seen on stage in years-and done so effortlessly, and even musical, as musical as the jazz inccidental tunes that played between scenes. An absolute air of sophistication, taste, and class. The entire stage composition illuminated a true canvas of "demostrational and even representational art"

Special thanks to June Terry for an amazing ensemble of costumes and wardrobe; Delonte smith for his brilliant use  of lighting and sounds, along with Sole. Everyone made this production a true WINTER VIEW!

Congratulations H.A.D.L.E.Y. for a job well done!