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Leaving Home

Reviewed by Jessica Salans

The Ruskin Group Theater

Through March 28

First produced at the Toronto’s Tarragon Theater in 1972, Leaving Home was Canadian playwright David French’s first work. The touted autobiographical drama was considered groundbreaking in its premiere. It is a stretch to say that the kitchen-sink family drama holds the same resonance today.

The scene is set in the kitchen and living room of the Mercer family, immigrants from Newfoundland, dealing with the upheaval of their sons wanting to begin their own lives. Patriarch Jacob Mercer (Chris Mulkey) asserts power through harsh words, drinking his way into arguments. Matriarch Mary Mercer (Karen Landry) tries and fails to keep the peace of the household while sons Ben (Kayde McMullen) and Bill (James Lastovic) have alternating bouts with their father.

The play is set on the eve of Bill’s wedding to his pregnant girlfriend, Kathy (Sierra Barter). Arguments ensue and secrets escape over a family dinner, proceeded with an unexpected arrival of Kathy’s falsely ebullient mother, Minnie (Mary Carrig), and her new, straight-faced boyfriend, Harold (Chip Bolcik).

Landry’s Mary Mercer establishes control over her humble nest, embodying a woman torn between the love and frustration of an unsettled household. The rest of the ensemble does not exude the same complex character work. Dialects are inconsistent and French’s unsubtle text is met with unsubtle emotions — anger being the prevalent tactic of choice. It is interesting to note that the Ruskin Theatre (this play’s venue) has a Meisner training program for actors, which all three young players are enrolled in. A strong thread in the group is their believable, engaged listening.

I am skeptical French’s script resonates with modern day family woes, even with a compelling cast and nuanced direction. The central, dramatic conflict of a 19-year-old son leaving home is not the effective, scandalous storyline today it may have been 40 years ago.

Visiting The Ruskin Group Theatre is a unique experience: The theater is situated next to a Santa Monica’s tiny airport. During the show, you can hear planes take off and land- sometimes right on cue to enhance a dramatic moment.

The Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; through March 28. (310) 397-3244, https://www.ruskingrouptheatre.com/