Things are not what they seem in the premiere of “Death By Lullaby,” a play that smartly tackles some of the very serious problems that can occur in senior living situations, while being packaged in a crackling murder mystery story.
The pitfalls that result from staffing shortages, medical mismanagement and lack of oversight are illuminated in the intriguing new play written and directed by Ara Barlieb, and being presented by Crowded Kitchen Players through Oct. 26 at Charles A. Brown Ice House in Bethlehem.
Mrs. Tigert, outstandingly played by Trish Cipoletti, is the newest resident at Wheatland Retirement Community. Mrs. Tigert, who it seems has apparently had a stoke, awakens in the home in the middle of the night, screaming and lost.
Cipoletti portrays someone who has had a stroke with amazing realism and captures Mrs. Tigert’s fear and sense of despair. But as the show progresses, Cipoletti slowly reveals a more resourceful Mrs. Tigert, who might not be all she seems.
Pamela Wallace is engaging and believable at Mrs. Tigert’s nosy roommate Louise. As Louise shuffles around with her walker, Wallace’s astute portrayal exposes a woman who doesn’t miss much.
Mrs. Tigerts quickly learns Wheatland seems like a place where there isn’t a lot of time for tolerance from the harried staff.
Sharon Ferry, harsh and severe as the hard-boiled Nurse Grey, rules the roost with an iron fist and tongue, and has no time for herself or any of her staff coddling scared patients.
Dawn Daignault’s amiable Nurse Coleman is marginally kinder but still overly brusque and distant with her charges.
Phuong Tran’s irritable orderly Philip is quick to anger and prone to let himself go a little too far into cruelty when dealing with the residents.
As unexpectedly solicitous orderly Kevin, Aidan King is disingenuous and disquieting, as he flirts with the residents who are desperate for a kind word or a little attention.
Leading the staff pack is the cold and pompous Dr, Barnaby, played with a palpable and annoyed detachment by David "Oz" Oswald.
Mrs. Tigert’s floor is shared by fellow residents who include the jittery Howard (an anxious Dan Ross), self-proclaimed resident advocate Leonard (a bold Bruce Brown) and the high-strung Jessie (a hysterical Robert Torres) who is prone to wandering.
When her new friends begin dying of what the residents are told are “natural causes,” Mrs. Tigert, who may or may not have an ulterior motive, takes matters into her own hands.
Barlieb’s able direction keeps the focus tight and the action moving smoothly.
The set design and props, perfectly set the stage from hospital beds and IV stands to unexpected armaments and adult coloring books to occupy the residents.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26; and 2 p.m. Oct. 13 and 20.
Tickets are $20, and are available by credit card online or cash or check at the door.
The Charles A. Brown Ice House is at 56 River St., Bethlehem.
For information, call 610-704-6974, or go to www.ckplayers.com.