Cast Puts Ginger In Fairly Slight Play (Press, 23 October 1979)
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Summary: Cast Puts Ginger In Fairly Slight Play (Press, 23 October 1979)
The Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society is currently staging Neil Simon's play "The Gingerbread Lady," which is directed by Brian Deavoll. The production runs from 20 to 27 October 1979, with performances scheduled from 8 PM to 10:15 PM. The story revolves around the character of a 43-year-old alcoholic nymphomaniac, who is trying to rebuild her life after spending time in a rest home for alcoholics known as Happy Valley. The protagonist grapples with the decision of either falling back into her old habits or remaining stagnant in the company of a homosexual actor. Throughout her journey, she briefly confronts her maternal responsibilities but ultimately concludes that she is not as different from others as she thought. Simon’s work typically intertwines comedy with more serious themes, yet in this instance, the play seems to sidestep a deeper exploration by relying on a series of contemporary proverbs. Characters engage in light banter, making references to literary works like David Lean's adaptation of "Great Expectations." However, many audience members may feel that this approach merely glosses over the significant issues at hand. The play features a considerable amount of strong language, yet its treatment of sensitive themes feels somewhat cautious. Despite this, the production is bolstered by commendable performances from the cast, which mitigates the impact of Simon's sentimental tendencies. Pauline Huggins delivers a strong performance in the title role, showcasing a dynamic presence that brings energy to her character, especially in her scenes as an extroverted singer. Huggins effectively communicates the character's struggle with alcohol, embodying both the melodramatic and realistic aspects of her predicament. Guus De Koster portrays the homosexual character with a commendable balance of comedy and pathos. Jenni Papprill comes into her own after a less controlled first act, ultimately giving an outstanding depiction of her character's significant monologue. Don Graham captures the volatile yet alluring nature of the guitarist lover, highlighting the unhealthy dynamics inherent in their relationship. Joanna Briant, despite some uncertainty in her accent, successfully reflects her character’s blend of innocence and experience. Jonathan Watson rounds out the ensemble. Overall, while the script itself may not be regarded highly, the performances by the cast and the direction by Deavoll succeed in creating an engaging evening for theatre-goers.
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