THE PLAY: As she packs to move out of her apartment, Dr. Ruth Westheimer recounts her storied life from her young days as a Kindertransport orphan and to her rise to fame as a sex therapist.

 

THE PRODUCTION: Eileen DeSandre, who traveled from Oregon for the role, embodies Dr. Ruth with sweetness and pluck. She’s an assured pro who knows how to handle the character’s development and ably masters the show’s demands. The play itself is less successful. With the exception of a few phone calls, her life is recounted in a strictly linear fashion. Even the early “welcome to my living room” device never develops any potential. Other than the occasional photo projection, there’s nothing about the structure or staging that adds any variety or dramatic punch. Director Bruce Miller has done his best, but is limited by the script. As a result, you have an actor charming the audience commendably without benefit of a creative approach that could have made it a powerhouse.

 

THE POINT: If only the play was as appealing as Eileen DeSandre’s charming creation of the character.

 

(3 / 5)

 

A Virginia Rep production at Hanover Tavern thru 10/19