'Wit'
By Don Shirley
When I last saw Margaret Edson’s celebrated play about a Donne scholar dying of ovarian cancer, it was at a venue (the Geffen) that’s at least 12 times larger than the Chandler Studio, the home of Robert Mammana’s revival for the Production Company. Intimate quarters help immeasurably in connecting with the plight of Dr. Vivian Bearing (Karesa McElheny). Without significant friends or family, she faces death more or less alone, except for the professional ministrations of hospital staffers (Aubrey Saverino as a kind nurse, Paul Denniston as a dehumanized researcher, Shelly Kurtz as a senior seen-it-all doctor) and a last-minute visit by a former mentor (Marbry Steward). McElheny’s performance is wondrously alive and nuanced, and because none of the actors feel they have to push out to the last row, the same can be said for everyone. Considering how often the text undercuts sentimentality, the play is remarkably poignant. And even its famous final image (lighting by August Viverito) feels considerably more organic in this tiny chamber than it did in front of hundreds of spectators.
The Chandler Studio Theatre Center, 12443 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood.
Info: (800) 838-3006 or Theprodco.com. Fris.-Sats. at 8 p.m.; Suns. at 3 p.m. Closes Feb. 16.
2008-01-31
Published: 01/30/2008
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