Corn Stock Theatre’s production of 2015 is “Other Desert Cities,” a 2011 family drama written by Jon Robin Baitz. Stan Strickler has this review for Peoria Public Radio and the Live Theatre League of Peoria. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of Peoria Public Radio or the Live Theatre League.
Sometimes, I am astounded by the talent on Peoria area stages, and “Other Desert Cities” -- currently playing at Corn Stock Winter Playhouse -- is an excellent example. The cast is outstanding, and the play moves along to a riveting climax. Paul Gordon is to be commended for assembling an all star cast and directing with such finesse.
Psychologists tell us that keeping secrets within a family can result in misunderstanding and faulty family dynamics, and this play illustrates that nicely. The play opens on Christmas Eve, 2004 in Palm Springs, California, with the Wyeth family coming in from a tennis match. All seems happy and light, but as secrets unfold we start to see the family unravel. The first hint of trouble comes when Polly mentions her two children, to which her daughter replies that she means “three children.” Immediately, we are drawn into the family conflict and began wondering what happened in the past. The result is a gradual unfolding of long kept family secrets and suppressed feelings which come out in explosive fury as the play progresses until the final secret is revealed. I don’t want to give away any plot twists, but the secrets that have been kept have created psychological problems within the family.
As Polly, Helen Engelbrecht gives a subtle and nuanced performance: kind and loving, then biting and bitter as she is attacked by her daughter for events which occurred thirty years ago. Her biting comments add a bitter humor to the play. As the patriarch of the family, Doug Orear gives an arresting performance that is at times subtle and kindly, and at others demanding and angry as he feels attacked for his actions in the past. Both parents are staunch conservatives who support the Iraq War, and count Ronald and Nancy Reagan as personal friends. Both actors display their desire to hold on to their beliefs as their daughter attacks them for their treatment of their dead son and their cherished political positions.
As the children, Kerri Rae Hinman and Andrew Jon Rhodenbaugh are both excellent. Hinman alternates between wanting a relationship with her parents, and angrily blaming them for what has happened in the past. It is certainly believable that she has had a depressive breakdown, and now wants to bring the hypocrisy of the family to light. Rhodenbaugh alternates nicely between wanting to sympathize with his sister’s position and to support his parents as well. His performance subtly evokes a person caught in the middle of a conflict not of his making, and one he doesn’t quite fully understand.
Also outstanding is Cindy Hoey as Polly’s recovering alcoholic sister. She quietly tries to defuse the tense situations around her, and at the same time adds to the failed dynamics of the family. She is by turns funny and quirky, comforting, and acerbic. She adds a much needed comic element to this play.
The set nicely evokes an upper middle class desert home with its terra-cotta tiles, Oriental rug and elegant furniture. My only complaint is that some of the furniture is a bit bulky and hides the actors. I would recommend sitting in the upper rows of the theater for better sight lines.
I highly recommend you see this play. The acting is superb and subtle, and blends humor and drama throughout. It also has a lot to say about differing political views, but never stoops to demeaning any of the characters.
“Other Desert Cities” continues, with performances tomorrow through Sunday at the Corn Stock Winter Playhouse. Tickets, and more information, are available at www.cornstocktheatre.com.