The Chance Theater’s blast to the past
by Jordan Young
Ever wondered what it would be like to live in the picture-perfect world depicted in 1950s TV sitcoms like “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” and “Leave It to Beaver”? You may want to check out Jordan Harrison’s thought-provoking new play, “Maple and Vine,” now in its OC premiere at The Chance Theater in Anaheim (through October 19).
Ryu and Katha are a mixed-race urban couple—he’s a Japanese American doctor, she’s in publishing—who forget about sushi, cell phones, laptops and a lot more that never crossed their minds, when they elect to move to a Midwestern community of ‘50s reenactors. Much to their surprise, they discover Eisenhower’s America is not only black and white (mostly white) but salt and pepper in terms of attitudes and behavior, as well as cuisine.
The play hits a bullseye on most of its targets, though some of it doesn’t wash—why would a doctor willingly give up his practice to work in a box factory, and why on earth would the show’s closet homosexual characters trade today’s relative freedom for the repressive environment of that far less tolerant era?
Robert M. Lee (Ryu) and more so Jennifer Ruckman (Katha) contribute fine performances. Joe Holbrook’s handsome scenic design and Ryan Brodkin’s sound aid and abet Mark Ramont’s solid direction. Call &14-777-3033 or visit www.ChanceTheater.com.
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