Short run at Medford’s Collaborative Theatre Project through May 18
By Lucie K. Scheuer for Ashland.news
A touching play with a poignant story about young love and the devastation of war just kicked off a short run at the Collaborative Theatre Project (CTP) in Medford.
The award-winning “Mary’s Wedding,” written by Canadian playwright Stephen Massicotte, unfolds in a series of vignettes that take us backward and forward in time, though it has the movement and feel as if it is all taking place in the present.
This production is a powerful interpretation of passion and war, with sequences balanced on the words of Lord Tennyson’s dramatic poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade.”
Set against the background of a violent prairie storm, a young man and woman have taken shelter in a barn. As the lightening explodes and the thunder crashes, it becomes evident that the young man, Charlie, is shell shocked, trying to come to terms with the frontline battles he’s faced in the Great War. Mary is a determined, stalwart young woman, who is suddenly struck with a strong feelings for him. There are firsts for both of them – the first time Charlies faces having to aim his rifle at the enemy on orders from his sergeant, and the first time Mary learns to come to terms with strong desire and a young man in great distress.
When Charlie offers Mary a ride home after the storm, they mount his horse, which takes them on an exhilarating, symbolic and sensual ride across the plains. Mary is suddenly struck with passion as she holds on for dear life. It is a moment in time. All at once she is caught up in the excitement of pure abandon, he driving forward with dreams of glory – but will it last?
Sarah Watson plays Mary and Charlie’s commanding officer, moving between the two characters with focus, skill, confidence and ease. There is a problem with her projection. Mary is the hinge upon which the plot pivots from one scene to another. It seems as though Watson, while partially maintaining a cultured English accent, is not in all aspects, easily heard.
Aidan Jenkins, as Charlie, expresses just the right amount of youthful exuberance, naivete and zeal needed for a young man thinking he is triumphantly going off to war. He also demonstrates adequate confusion and disillusionment while coming to terms with the horror of it.
Storm sequences and war scenes are punctuated by lightning. Aaron Young’s lighting direction gives one a new appreciation for how important this element can figure into a play. Sound designer Scott Garner also coordinates battle scenes and thunder with great effect.
Director Tommy Statler and movement director Tegan Kelley have effectively coordinated the two actors with the constantly evolving scenes. Original cello music by Harley Eblen provides a subtle, transitional soundtrack.
Part of the story occurs on the frontlines. If you are sensitive to the sound of gunfire or explosive noises, just a reminder they are part of the story with just enough augmentation to be effective.
This play fits well on the CTP stage. Although the props are minimal, they figure prominently in this production. At CTP, there always seems to be a bit lacking in this department. On occasion, it would be nice to see furniture that more appropriately fits some of the scenes. Props are not the whole story, however. They support a good story and motivate the audience to use their imaginations.
This production succeeds in doing both.
If you go:
What: Collaborative Theatre Project’s production of “Mary’s Wedding.”
When: Productions available at:
- 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 11
- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 16
- 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17
- 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18
Tickets: Visit https://ctpmedford.ludus.com/200459924 to purchase tickets.
Reach Ashland-based writer Lucie K. Scheuer at LucieScheuer19@gmail.com.
