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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Birthday Candles Also see Gil's reviews of Hello, Dolly! and Hadestown: Teen Edition
The play follows Ernestine Ashworth and begins on her 17th birthday, then showing us other birthdays throughout her life, as she marks each year with the same ritual–baking her birthday cake. As the years unfold, we witness the highs and lows of her existence, including loves gained and lost, family joys and sorrows, and the passage of time that shapes her life and the lives of the people around her. Haidle's play explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the inevitability of change. It's also a moving study on the fleeting passage of time, the connection between generations, and the small yet profound moments that define our lives. Haidle also emphasizes how the family rituals and traditions we each have are not only things we look forward to but are moments we look back on with fond memories. You will most likely find several moments in the piece that resonate with you and find you reflecting on moments in your life or holiday traditions or rituals you share with your family. Haidle's work is a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes and how we should cherish each moment. The cast is excellent. As Ernestine, Maureen Dias-Watson delivers a tour-de-force performance, seamlessly transforming from a bright-eyed teenager when the play begins to a reflective centenarian at the end. She is on stage the entire time and her portrayal is deeply nuanced, capturing every facet of Ernestine's life with authenticity and grace. Whether she's conveying youthful exuberance, middle-aged weariness, or the wisdom of old age, her performance is always magnetic. She also manages to carry the emotional weight of the play with remarkable ease. It's a breathtaking performance and one of the best I've seen this season. The supporting cast is equally exceptional, with each actor skillfully embodying multiple roles as family members across generations. Tom Koelbel and Johnny Kalita play the men who loved Ernestine, with each bringing realism to their roles; Koelbel provides much of the show's humor and brings a tender sincerity to his character that is quite touching, while Kalita creates a dimensional character with a poignant arch. Patti Davis Suarez, Seth Tucker, and Lauren Isherwood play multiple roles, including Ernestine's mother, children and grandchildren. All three inject humor and pathos into their characters. The entire cast brings a distinct energy to the production. Ron May's direction is spotless, guiding the story's sweeping timeline with clarity and precision. May also ensures that the cast's natural chemistry with each other and their authentic performances enhance the story's impact, making the audience feel deeply invested in Ernestine's life and the lives she touches. Mark Baris' simple set design–a kitchen table, a countertop and kitchen appliances–serves as a constant through Ernestine's changing world, grounding the play in its central theme of continuity amidst change. Stacey Walston's lighting design is particularly effective, subtly marking the passage of time and highlighting key emotional moments. Other creative elements, including the sound design and costumes, are understated but purposeful, enhancing the storytelling without overshadowing it. With its outstanding cast and thoughtful direction, Theatre Artists Studio's production of Birthday Candles is a beautiful, deeply moving and incredibly rewarding theatrical experience. It's also a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of life and how even the simplest acts of love can leave lasting imprints on those we hold dear. Birthday Candles runs through February 2, 2025, at Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 East Cactus Road, Scottsdale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.TheStudioPHX.org or call 602-765-0120 Director: Ron May Cast: |
