By Holly Sloan
Freedom. What is it? How is it achieved? How does one know they are free? iambe theater ensemble addresses the concept of freedom in its latest production “Wake Up Mrs. Moore.”
Written by Julie Marie Myatt and making its world premiere at Elgin Art Showcase, “Wake Up Mrs. Moore” is a new, timely, and very relevant discussion on the topic of freedom, particularly for women, as seen through the mind of Virginia Moore – who through a twist of fate, lies in a coma for over 40 years.
The story begins in 1970, when a young, idealistic, and newly married Virginia Moore attends a women’s rights/anti-Vietnam march, only to suffer a severe cranial injury when a beer can strikes her in the head, sending her into a coma.
Through her slumber, Virginia experiences what she considers to be freedom – at least in her mind. This consists of traveling to Paris, living a commitment-free life with no husband or children, and reconnecting with her brother George, who was lost in Vietnam.
Life outside Virginia’s head is a little different. In Virginia’s outside world, her husband Glenn refuses to give up on her. This leads her sister Alma to question Glenn’s decisions in regard to Virginia’s freedom in her hospital bed.
Fast forward 40 years later, and Virginia awakens from her coma to discover a different world where she must navigate the many political, technological, social, and cultural changes. From Roe v. Wade, to 9/11, to the election of the first African-American president, Virginia attempts to adjust to world changes through the oversized images and information that we are exposed to now.
Director Gail Cannata does an excellent job of navigating a stellar cast through this journey. The chemistry between Virginia, Glenn, and Alma is fantastic and heartbreaking at the same time.
Doreen Dawson (Virginia) brilliantly takes on the daunting task of being on stage nearly 100% of the time. Her Virginia is strong and determined, yet frustrated with “waiting..waiting..waiting,” for the opportunity to have her freedom and her choice matter. That means not just being heard, but actually being understood.
Brian Koester (Glenn) brings great sympathy and frustration to his character. He is unwavering in his support and love, determined in his belief that Virginia will wake up. You don’t doubt his love for her, but at moments you want to ask yourself if this is just a matter of control for him. This question burns brighter as his desire to control her seems to continue after she wakes up.
Shannon Mayhall (Alma) has amazing presence on stage as Virginia’s sister. The character tries to navigate challenges in her own life, all the while wondering if Glenn is making the right decisions about Virginia for the right reasons. Alma’s array of feelings runs the gamut, as her own life choices get in the way of her own emotions with her sister.
One of the things that stands out in the production is the number of beautiful moments that are created through some of the monologues the characters share with each other. These moments of extended solo dialogue allow the audience insight to begin to understand the various personalities in the play.
The voices of reason are a great balance among the rest of the cast. Brandon Frederick (George) brings a wonderful understanding and clarity to Virginia, which she desperately needs. He is a peaceful steady influence as Virginia is trying to navigate how the world works in the mind she lives in during her coma.
George is the reason Virginia wants to “cross over” in a sense. But, George reasons with her. Overall, George’s moments on stage with Virginia are poignant and heartfelt.
Susan Anderson (Susan) brings a direct, yet lighthearted air to her character Nurse Susan Jones. She doesn’t mince words and probably knows what is best for Virginia more than anybody. Her one-liners are delivered with perfect timing, and the comic asides are a welcome contrast to the the serious personalities around her.
Shannon Bachelder (Tracy) is not seen until the second act, but as Alma’s level-headed daughter, and Virginia’s niece, she portrays a needed contrast. Her character is the perfect polar opposite of her mother. She is eager to help her Aunt Virginia, and actually listens to what Virginia wants and needs.
Indeed, Virginia’s awakening affects all the players. In the case of Alma, as the play goes on, she begins to realize she doesn’t understand the person Virginia has become upon awakening.
The subtlety of the transition from coma world to awake work is absolutely flawless. It could be described as a form of “time travel.” Time travel, as it were, can be very cumbersome and distracting in live theater, but not in this production. Stage Manager Christopher Yee makes the transitions smooth and subtle.
Yee’s masterful stage management allows for the sound and lighting, done by Sean Hagadorn, to usher us into the different years on the journey with music that perfectly suggests where our time travel stops next. The changes in lighting also help us realize when we are in Virginia’s mind, or witnessing what is happening in her life externally.
Of course, time doesn’t march on without physical changes. This is perfectly captured in the play’s costuming. Costume designer Kit Medic keeps us moving forward with spot-on changes in fashion from the 70s to the 2010s. This is hammered home in appropriate aging changes in the actors as well.
It’s refreshing to see new companies and exciting new shows in our community. iambe theatre has built a steady resume of excellent productions in its short history, and “Wake Up, Mrs. Moore” adds to those success stories. It is an excellent new script being presented by an awesome young company.
“Wake Up, Mrs. Moore” will be delighting audiences on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through April 28. Performances take place at Elgin Art Showcase located at on the 8th floor at 164 Division Street in Elgin. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 PM and Sunday performances are at 2 PM.
For tickets visit https://tinyurl.com/iambe-wumm.
For more information visit the iambe theater website at www.iambetheatreensemble.com.
Photo credit Sarah Knauf.
For more reviews visit: Theatre in Chicago – your source for What’s on Stage in the Chicago Area.
Holly Sloan is a Crystal Lake resident and former middle school teacher and theater director. A Bernese Mountain Dog enthusiast, she appears on stage occasionally but can often be found in the audience as Northern Illinois’ Greatest Community Theatre Groupie.
