Anton in Show Business

Reviewed by Jessica Salans
The Hudson Mainstage Theatre
Through May 15

RECOMMENDED

There is a yuuuuuuuge event taking place in our country right now and it has my attention every waking hour.

The Democratic Primary has thrust to the forefront such catastrophic issues facing our country and planet as climate change, campaign finance reform, outsourcing, trade agreements, racial inequality, health care and education reform. To name a few.

So… Why theater?

This is the basic question posed in Jane Martin’s surprisingly charming and, in the end, quietly moving play, Anton in Show Business. The show is directed by Nell Teare, who begins by splendidly fulfilling a director’s most vital role: casting an excellent ensemble.

An unlikely trio are thrust together to perform Chekov’s The Three Sisters in San Antonio, Texas. Lisabette (a heartfelt Dana Pollack) who is an optimistic, naïve newbie, plays Irina. The plastic surgery miracle and television star, Holly, (played with a consistently effective sneer by Gillian Shure) takes on the role of Masha. The off-off Broadway veteran, Casey (a deft Anzu Lawson), portrays Olga.

The final four ensemble members, Courtney Sauls, Claudia De Vasco, Marguerite Insolia and Jesse Lynn Madera, depict an array of characters to great effect. Insolia brings an enticing calm to the proceedings with her assortment of “ straight man” characters. De Vasco is impressively convincing in multiple male roles. Sauls could stir even the eldest of theater-goers with her spunk and stage presence; her energy is infectious. And you’ll have to see the show to witness just how effective Madera is in her role.

There is a big-time surprise in this show, but you just may have to purchase a ticket, risk L.A. traffic and spend some time at the theater to witness and judge for yourself whether or not going to the theater is a worthy, or even necessary, endeavor to pursue in 2016.

The Hudson Mainstage Theatre. 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Fri. -Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m.; through May 15. www.plays411.com/anton Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.