THE PLAY: This is a folk tale about an aspiring writer and the tragic results of a forbidden romance.

 

THE PRODUCTION: This play’s style and story are motivated by classic Southern writers, so it needs an evocative atmosphere to echo their distinctive approach. Tom Width’s direction doesn’t deliver on that front, which renders the bland characters and simple emotions less effective. Grey Garrett sounded lovely, but couldn’t manage the melodrama. Jim Morgan fared better on that front, but his voice was often strained. Rachel Marrs’ rousing “Pour Me Another Round” is the show’s highlight. The songs by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell have an easy folk quality with bluegrass elements and the 7-piece band under the direction of Paul Deiss sounded wonderful (kudos to Andrew Cravey & Jason “Blue” Herbert for an excellent sound mix). Joe Doran’s lighting added considerable drama to Width’s otherwise bland set. The costumes by Maura Lynch Cravey may have been period accurate, but the dresses were downright plain. Running time: 2:25

 

THE POINT: This simple folk tale is adequately presented, but the straightforward approach doesn’t take advantage of the genre’s nostalgic tone.

 

(3 / 5)

 

At Swift Creek Mill Theatre thru 5/11

 

oto by Robyn O’Neill