Reviewed by Julyza Commodore
The Sherry Theater
Thru May 26
RECOMMENDED
Eccentricities of a Nightingale is one of Tennessee Williams’s many classic plays. It tells the story of Alma (Meg Wallace), the unmarried, high-strung and emotional daughter of a minister (John Ogden), and of the complex relationship she has with a Doctor who lives next door, John Buchanan (Jason Sino). With the fear of everlasting loneliness looming over her head, she becomes even more determined to win his heart.
As soon as Wallace’s Alma comes onstage, it is clear that she is quite eccentric. She has acquired the nickname “The Nightingale of the Delta” after singing all over town, but it isn’t just her voice that stands out; it’s her mannerisms as well. Her father, Reverend Winemiller offers a keen observation of her and says, “You get carried away by your emotions. You choke sometimes…stutter and laugh.”
We soon learn that Alma’s Mother, Mrs. Winemiller (Kathy Bell Denton), is not well, with rapidly deteriorating health. She has conversations with herself and she has even lost the ability to comprehend time. With this being something that Alma is seeing in present time, it only increases her yearning for companionship and motivates her to pursue John. Her infatuation with John is made known as she is pointing him out to her father at the very beginning of the show. Although John is receptive to her, it is his overbearing mother, Mrs. Buchanan (Monica Mauro), who creates the doubt and divide between the two.
At first glance, the relationship between John and Alma seems sweet and somewhat possible. Sino is both playful and understanding when interacting with Wallace’s Alma who is often extremely nervous, yet charming at times. It is easy to sympathize with her due to her lack of blending in – she sticks out like a sore thumb even as she tries to converse and be as normal as possible. Her attempts to sway John’s emotions are evident and touching, although he makes it clear that he isn’t necessarily in love.
In addition to Williams’s play, and the character-driven story he has created, director Trace Oakley further explicates this. Moreover, Wallace is consistent in her portrayal of Alma’s eccentricities, so that Alma’s journey feel true and authentic. This is a production worth seeing.
The Sherry Theater, 11052 Magnolia blvd., North Hollywood, Fri-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 7pm., thru May 26. https://allevents.in/mobile/ampevent.php?event_id=80003617968644; running time, 105 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission.
