The P.O.W. and the GIRL
Reviewed by Audrey Schlief
The Sherry Theatre
Through February 16
[Note: This review is part of the Z. Clark Branson/Stage Raw Equity and Inclusion Initiative for Young Journalists. Stage Raw staff are mentoring the young authors, as they build their professional resumes as arts journalists.]
Katrina Wood’s lovely play, The P.O.W. and the Girl, tells the story of a spirited college student and her relationship with her troubled, explosive grandfather as he grapples with the bitter leftovers of his days in World War II. The play deals with harassment, loss and the raw subject of post-traumatic stress disorder. Wood’s script is raw, and has admirable depth.
Taking place in 1980’s punk-rock era London, the story delves into the friction that ensues as Sarah (Samantha Mallory) is enveloped in the promise of first love and hope as she becomes her own woman. Her Grandfather, Johnny (Chas Mitchell), deals with his own personal trauma as he is haunted by the aftermath of war. He survived a Japanese prison camp during World War II, and is constantly reminded of everything he’s lost. His past experience with death and grief torments him as he tries to live a normal life. He’s stuck in his old ways, clashes against Sarah’s generation and underestimates his granddaughter’s emerging strength. When Sarah begins to explore young love with a newfound joy for living, Johnny is reminded of his own experience with love.
Mallory delivers a heartfelt though merely adequate performance as Sarah; she needs better direction. Her presentation is forced, even slightly hysterical at times. She is missing a deeper connection to the role. Chas Mitchell’s Johnny is satisfactory. The role is a wonderful acting opportunity and could have been much more. Mitchell needs to better empathize with his character and the intention of the play. Adrian Burks is sincere and feeling as Sarah’s love interest Paul. Natalia Bilbao’s Alice shows range and surprising, fresh reactions that display her talent wonderfully. Actors in supporting roles offer more heart and depth than the leading actors.
However, Director Trace Oakley’s predictable staging takes away from the production: The characters need to evolve more, while Aaron Glazer’s set design is cluttered and inefficient, distracting from the actors, and the play’s intent. The record player center stage, for example, creates a sightline issue. That said, Art Wood’s catchy sound design is wonderful.
The P.O.W and the Girl is an interesting take on two unbearably different lives being lived and how past experience affects each and every one of us. It’s a unique take on how family means coping with the vast differences between two generations and their experiences. Unfortunately, this production doesn’t live up to the play’s potential.
The Sherry Theatre, 11052 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat.; 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m.; through Feb. 16. (800) 838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3742908. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
Audrey Schlief is a freshman in a performing arts high school in Los Angeles. She majors in dance and musical theatre.
