[NEohioPAL]Berko review: BOTH SIDES OF THE FAMILY (Charenton Theatre)

[Roy Berko]

‘BOTH SIDES OF THE FAMILY,’ a thought provoking probe
at Charenton

Roy Berko

(Member, American Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times

She is an Episcopalian, married to a Jew, who is
bringing up her daughter in the Hebrew faith.  He is a
Jew, married to a Catholic, who is feeling guilty
because he knows little about his heritage, has
allowed his son to be brought up out of the faith,
realizes that he wants to probe his roots, and is
frustrated because he can’t pass on his history to his
son.   Thus, we have the premise for Maryann Elder
Goldstein’s ‘BOTH SIDES OF THE FAMILY, which recently
had its world premiere at Charenton Theater Company.

The one-hour play, has an interesting format.  Its two
characters, who are on stage throughout the
production, never speak to each other, don’t interact,
and only at the end have a passing but significant
connection.

Both humorous and poignant, Goldstein has probed not
only inter-religious marriage, but the purpose of
religion, the importance of tradition, and the bond of
family.  The dialogue is natural.  The humor is
appropriate to the situation, not gimmicky.  The angst
is nicely developed.  This is a good script!

The Charenton production, under the adept directing of
Jacqi Loewy, is nicely paced, the concepts stand out,
and the acting realistic.  Author Maryann Elder
Goldstein, who may well be playing her real-life self,
is totally believable as She.  Jeff Glover, who,
besides playing He, added material to the script.  He
was realistic as the frustrated He.

Capsule judgement:   ‘BOTH SIDES OF THE FAMILY’ is a
well-written script which received a fine production
at Charenton.  

Charenton, which finds itself in the same nomadic
state as Ensemble and Dobama, is looking to make their
home in Gallery 324 at the Galleria.   They are
looking for an “angel” to finance their desire into a
reality.  Potential donors may contact the theatre at
www.cherenton or call 216-469-9160.


Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2006, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.fredsternfeld.com/mailman/listinfo/neohiopal.  His dance reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com

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