The Memory of Water

Miners Alley Playhouse: 4/19 – 5/26

     John Arp’s direction of “The Memory of Water” is smart and professional. His casting couldn’t be better and Arp keeps the proceedings moving at a clip that does not allow the show to ever descend into the maudlin. 

     The scenario is pretty much the same as that of Woody Allen’s homage to Ingmar Bergman in his screenplay for “Autumn Sonata.” Both Shelagh Stephenson’s play and Allen’s screenplay have the same armature. Three sisters have returned home to come to terms with the death of the matriarch. Unlike Allen’s film, after which one wishes to slit his wrists, “The Memory of Water” is full of warmth and humor. 

     The evening has a poignancy, which endears. It’s a female driven production with some of the best acting talent in the state. Lisa DeCaro, Paige Larson and Emily Paton Davies portray the three sisters. Deborah Curtis is the ghost/memory of their mother, Vi. The peripheral male characters in all of this - a husband and boy friend - are superbly read by Matthew Blood-Smythe and Kurt Brighton.

      There is a very fine lighting and projection design by award-winning Jonathan Scott McKean that illuminates McKean’s and Rick Bernstein’s appropriately self-effacing set. Ann Piano’s costume design is one of her best and lends a humorous lightness to the piece. You’ll see what I mean when you see it.

      “The Memory of Water” has a soothing flow to it and its resonance will bubble up in your consciousness throughout the week that follows. The truth that those who go before us are profoundly a part of us always is illuminated with beauty and great heart.This is a beautifully staged production that demands to be seen.

                    Left to right: Lisa DeCaro, Paige Larson and Emily Paton Davies

Miners Alley Playhouse presents

"The Memory of Water"

Apr 19 – May 26

Fri. and Sat. @ 7:30 p.m. and Sun @ 6 p.m. (2 p.m. on May 26)

$19.00 - $29.50; senior, student and group rates available.

303-935-3044 or online at www.minersalley.com

Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Avenue (13^th and Washington 2^nd floor entrance on 13^th) in Golden, CO.Marlowe's Musings