And you thought your family had issues...
Other Desert Cities, written by Jon Robin Baitz and Directed by William Sanders, is the latest piece of theatre brought to Allentown by Civic Theatre, and it promises to open up discussions on the value of family, reputations, and the amount of love parents can show for their children.
The show opens shortly after Brooke Wyeth (Gretchen Klinedinst Furst) has returned to her parents' home in Palm Springs after living on the east coast for six-years.
A once-promising novelist, she announces to her family that she will soon be publishing her latest novel, a novel, she eventually mentions, that goes into great depth on her older brother's suicide and the role her parents played in causing it.
Naturally, her Mother, Polly, (Becky Engborg) and Father, Lyman, (Barry Glassman) are both shocked and outraged at the idea of having the world know that their own daughter blames them for their son's suicide.
Brooke tells her family, including her younger brother, Trip, (Will Morris) and her Aunt, Silda, (Marianne Green) that the publication will go public very soon and that she has no intention of changing her story.
Her brother isn't interested in arguing and removes himself; her Aunt seems to have secrets of her own, in addition to knowing more than she lets on; and her parents' reaction ranges from yelling to pleading as they attempt to protect their family name.
The biggest secret of all remains unspoken until the end of the play, shocking the viewers and characters alike.
This play finds a balance that the audience can't help but enjoy. All of the players fully embody their roles, delivering evocative performances that are more than pleasing to watch. The set is a perfect imitation of the original set from the production's 2011 opening. It was open and light, but with a not quite lived in feeling of a household inhabited by the upper class.
I recommend this show to anyone who wants more than just a frivolous night out. This show is thought provoking and leaves people talking as they walk out of the theatre.
The acting was phenomenal, and it seemed easy for the actors to bring the audience into their story. There were several beautiful moments brought to the stage and each scene moved seamlessly into the next.
Other Desert Cities runs through March 15. For tickets or more information please call 610-432-8943 or visit them online at www.civictheatre.com