Posted by Love and Pain and a Glorious Play
Approximately 2,375 miles southeast of the Broadway theatres in Manhattan lies the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson, Arizona. Built in1927, the Spanish Colonial Revival style theater is a human-scaled venue that warmly welcomes its guests. Intrigued, we wondered “what’s playing today?” The Arizona Theater Company was staging a play called “Pru Payne.” Entering the venue with no particular expectations, we watched one of the best and most moving performances in recent memory.
So many of our lives have been touched by the olders around us losing memories, losing a grip on life, becoming helpless. It’s as if we regress back to infancy if we live long enough, completing the circle in a wholly unexpected way. Lead actress Mimi Kennedy brilliantly portrays the descent of accomplished critic Pru Payne from the top of her craft to that bottomless, vacant stare that dementia brings. It hits you deep inside. No costume changes, no special effects, just pure acting. But there’s more.
Not just the zany silliness, forgetfulness, and shock of seeing her change – but also the kindness and sweetness of a new love. Pru falls for Gus and this saves the play from being just painful and powerful – it becomes a transcendent and evocative story of fresh beginnings. She gives an incredible performance, owning the stage and the audience. Here’s the commentary – see if it you get the chance. (Andy & Jen)
