Theater Review: With Timeless Themes And A Perfect Presentation, ‘Upstate’ Is Not To Be Missed
NEW MILFORD — What happens when a family must confront the realities of an aging parent and what becomes of legacy?
Those are some of the themes explored in TheatreWorks New Milford’s world premiere production of Upstate. Written by Dorothy Lyman, an Emmy Award-winning actress known for her roles on Mama’s Family and All My Children, pulls triple duty here as playwright, director, and star in the central role of Elizabeth, the matriarch of the Gladstone family.
The production continues weekends to May 24, and Lyman is giving a master class in all three roles.
While Upstate is a drama, it is nicely balanced out with lighter moments. The phrase “no fat” comes to mind. Every line is there for a purpose and each packs a punch.
The setting is a farm in upstate New York circa 2018, but the themes could not be more timely. In addition to aging, Lyman explores the political climate, the ever-changing agricultural landscape, and many other timely topics. Her dialogue is so true to life that at times it becomes uncomfortable.
Delivering that dialogue are some of the finest actors this area has to offer. Joining Lyman onstage are Jamie Spannhake and Kevin Sosbe as Elizabeth’s daughter Betsy and son-in-law Tom. Betsy sees how difficult Elizabeth’s life is becoming on the farm after the death of her father Hank. She just wants her mother to have a comfortable life.
While some of her tactics come off harsh, the audience sees how much Betsy cares for her mother. Spannhake brings a perfect balance to the character of Betsy. One of the highlights of the play is to watch Spannhake and Lyman square off about the future of the farm.
Sosbe brings a strong performance to the stage as Tom, trying to be the voice of reason to all parties.
Kay Mickelson and Thomas Ovitt join the family as Elizabeth’s granddaughter/Betsy’s daughter Liz and Jason, Liz’s boyfriend. The two have palpable chemistry and are a wonderful pair to watch on stage.
Ovitt is the perfect person to play Jason. His natural charm is a nice juxtaposition to the character’s arrogance. Mickelson brings nuanced layers to Liz. Torn between family and the future, her internal struggle is subtle but heartbreaking.
Patti Reese plays Christie, the farmhand who has become a second daughter to Elizabeth. Reese brings a warmth and tenderness to Christie, which is heart-rending to watch when the question of selling the farm gets proposed.
As mentioned, Lyman is pulling out all the stops and is a tour de force to watch on stage. Kudos to her for taking on the roles of playwright, director and actor. That is not an easy task yet Lyman executes them flawlessly.
The staging is so intimate the audience feels like they are actually in the kitchen with the family at times.
The sets and costumes are their own characters. You know from the minute the cast steps on stage, who each person is just by looking at them. Sue Haneman has once again done a stellar job.
Another element that adds so much to the play is the original transitional music by James Higgins.
Upstate should not be missed.
Performances continue to May 24 at Theatreworks New Milford. Tickets and more info can be found at theatreworks.us.