By Katherine Beeson
Before I begin my review I need to say something. I have been involved in various aspects of theater for more than 25 years and when coming to review this show, I committed a horrible theatrical sin – I neglected to note that the show began at 7 pm and I arrived eight minutes late. In a small theater such as this, any disruption is magnified and I wish to apologize to the cast for my faux pas.
Sunstone Studios (127 E. Wells St.) opened its second show of the season with the intriguing, multi-leveled one-act drama “What Was Lost” by Steven Carl McCasland. It is the story of Broadway and silent screen actress Laurette Taylor as she reluctantly accepts and works to originate the part of Amanda Wingfield in
Tennessee Williams’ new play, “The Glass Menagerie.”
McCasland creates a plausible account of Taylor’s life at that time -- a heavy drinker since the death of her husband and facing a more sophisticated audience than her previous stage successes.
We encounter Tennessee, relatively unknown at this time, overseeing the rehearsals and brazenly rewriting pages, unsure of himself after a few theatrical missteps. The audience also discovers how the play’s title applies to many of its characters.
This cast does a fabulous job bringing these people to life. Leslie Fitzwater is a pure delight as Laurette Taylor, struggling with her demons as she attempts to move forward with her career. Cory Jefferson Hagen is marvelous as Tennessee, balancing the playwright’s verve and determination with the internal battles he is facing. The other actors – Alyssa Higley, Chris Hart, Ashley Ovideo and DeshawnA. Thomas are equally strong.
Tennessee Williams (Cory Jefferson Hagen), right, oversees a rehearsal of “The Glass Menagerie” with silent film star Laurette Taylor (Leslie Fitzwater), second from right, in a scene from Sunstone Studios “What Was Lost.” Also pictured are, from left, DeshawnA. Thomas, Alyssa Higley, Chris Hart and Ashley Ovideo.
This is a very tiny theater space and this show really works here. The audience is right there in Laurette’s apartment, at the play rehearsals and sharing a table with the actress and the ongoing temptation she may not be able to resist. This bond may have been lost in a larger venue.
Kudos to director Amanda J. Hull who has taken a talented cast and a strong, insightful play and created a beautiful theatrical experience.
“What Was Lost” continues through Oct. 22. Please note: Evening shows start at 7 p.m.; matinees at 2 p.m.