“Wait… that was it?”
As the main characters cycled utter chaos into a near-casual finale while exiting the stage, Janet Jackson’s “You Want This?” song refrain just popped into my head. Because… well … honestly… that’s kinda how THE BAPTIST WITCHES OF SHELBYVILLE, ends.
To be clear, Julie Shavers’ modern Southern Gothic, somewhat, comedic melodrama doesn’t necessarily have any witches or spookiness in it. That is, unless you’re counting the ornery tempest that spontaneously almost turns three sisters’ Fourth of July fishing trip into a dynastic disaster. But it otherwise definitely has the shading and shaping of an any-day-of-the-week-lately, far-right talk-point, newscast. Especially where religiously bent, Mama Moon played, on point, by Gigi Bermingham, is concerned.
Despite the phenomenal talent, character work, timing, writing (and set design) on display, the narrative drifts and strolls as languidly as the hot Summer days. And it takes a very long time to get to the dramatic revelation. And then it’s over. The women are leaving the scene moving onto whatever next mini-personal-social-crisis is about to arise. But not necessarily to resolve in the moments or days to come.
THE WITCHES OF SHELBYVILLE is a beautiful and collected scenario, that draws you deeply into the tension and drollery of the relationships. And it is quite enjoyable. I personally, however, would have liked the actual drama to have been explored and acted upon, a bit more deeply. But then, isn’t that what families often do when a shocking truth comes to light. Yes, we’re moving on…
Recommended.
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Black Rocking Chair Productions Presents the World Premier of
THE BAPTIST WITCHES OF SHELBYVILLE
Written by Julie Shavers. Directed by Daniel O’Brien. Video Projections by David Louis Zuckerman.
Starring: Gigi Bermingham, Mamie Gummer, Julie Shavers, Angelie Simone, and Ashley Ward.
DESCRIPTION: An evocative world premiere Southern Gothic comedy starring award-winners Gigi Bermingham and Mamie Gummer. When eldest daughter Lucinda Moon returns home to her small Tennessee town for the July 4th holiday, she is greeted not only by fireworks but by the same women who shaped her – and the memories she can’t shake. What’s on the family’s side porch picnic menu? Dark comedy, tragic poetry, and moments of pure sonic bliss when the Moon family finds their old harmonies. They’re keeping a burger on the grill, and a tumbler of frosé cold, just for you.
WHERE: Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA
PARKING INFO: Metered Street Parking on Ventura and surrounding neighborhoods.
WHEN: 8pm on March 28, April 3, 4, 11, 17, 18, 25.
HOW: Reservations at https://whitefire.stagey.net/projects/13984?tab=tickets
HOW MUCH: $40 (general seating)
Photo by Jeff Lorch: Angelie Simone, Mamie Gummer, Julie Shavers in THE BAPTIST WITCHES OF SHELBYVILLE.
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