Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Theatre 40
Through August 23
RECOMMENDED
Daniel Leslie and Mouchette Van Helsdignen (Photo by Eric Keitel)
Love and romance are often complicated matters at any age, but for a pair of seniors who give in to their amorous yearnings, they can be especially challenging. Such is the case with the elderly couple on display in Norm Foster’s two-act romantic comedy, solidly directed by Larry Eisenberg.
After meeting at a wedding at which they downed far too many drinks, Robert (Daniel Leslie), and Chrisina (a fine turn by Mouchette Van Helsdignen), get the wild idea to rent a cabin, hoping to revive some of that old Eros fire.
Arriving at the luxurious Lakefront Deluxe Honeymoon Suite (nicely done by set designer Jeff Rack, who cleverly blends the modern and rustic), they immediately feel ill at ease (They call to mind teenagers on a first date!). But, prodded by some wine, they settle into this spontaneous arrangement and slowly share fragments of their life stories.
Both carry a considerable amount of emotional baggage; he is a seventy-year-old retired ferry captain whose wife left him years earlier for another man; she is a shy, self-effacing widow who is secretly bitter about the life changes brought on by her husband’s lingering illness and death.
Most of Act I is concerned with the pair trying to confront and manage their nettlesome insecurities — and the strange attraction that is gradually developing between them.
And of course, that sexual thing gradually emerges and brings with it a raft of angst and uncertainty, as well as a lot of laughs.
As Act II opens, Christina emerges from the bedroom breathless and disheveled, with a look of great satisfaction on her face. Without spoiling the fun, we learn that Robert has a special technique for satisfying Christina’s “physical needs” but remains unsure of his ability to perform in the “conventional manner.” (In one ridiculously funny segment, Christina reels off a litany of euphemisms for impotence). But as has been said many times, love finds a way, and the two discover their deep connection.
What is enjoyable about this show, aside from the performances and the accessibility of these characters, is Foster’s wit, humor and knack for plain-speak about, well, touchy subjects. Rounding out the cast is the hilarious, pain-in-the-ass Michael Gabiano as the lodge manager.
Theatre 40, 241 S. Moreno Dr., At the Mary Levin Culter Theatre on The Beverly Hills High School Campus. Thur.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2 pm: through August 23 https://theatre40.org/product/lakefront/or (310) 364-0535. Running time two hours with intermission.
