WINTER’S BENCH – 24th Street Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Are the trees talking to us? Do they feel lonely if there is not another tree close by? Scientists have discovered that trees communicate. Through boundless underground networks, the roots intermingle to support one another, so that the trees can stand strong and handle life’s challenges. Seem familiar?
Walking into the theatre, I gasp ‘WOW’ as the pretty large stage reveals itself, and incandescent lighting is giving off a warm, cozy feeling. There is one giant tree on the stage and fallen leaves everywhere. The magic of the autumn ambiance inspires great admiration. Then the heavenly sounds of flute can be heard, as Shih-wei Wu comes slowly on the stage dressed all in white.
The world premiere of ‘Winter’s Bench’, written by an Olivier-Award-winning playwright Mike Kenny, and divinely and skillfully directed by Debbie Devine, features acclaimed, talented actress Anne Gee Byrd, who passionately allows deep feelings for her childhood memories to surface as she returns to visit the great old tree she believes spoke to her in her childhood. She seems to remember everything, even being a toddler in the crib… could she possibly remember that? Her mother forgot her one warm summer day in her stroller at the park and went home without her. But she came back very fast and, after that day, her mother never put her in the stroller again but carried her everywhere! Anne is a lovely, inspiring and radiantly strong actress. Beautiful work!
The production reunites many of the artists behind 24th Street Theatre’s celebrated original works, including composer Bradley Brough, scenic designer Keith Mitchell, video designer Matthew G. Hill, lighting designer Dan Weingarten, sound designer Nick Foran and costume designer Shannon Kennedy. Jesús Castaños-Chima serves as assistant director, Beja Wolf is production stage manager. And Lucy Pollak is handling PR.
Just like the tree with its roots, 24th Street Theatre has put down its roots here, in this community. After 30 years the company is managing to buy both the theatre and properties next door and across the street. Jay McAdams, the theater’s Executive Director who has produced dozens of theatrical productions over the last 20 years and won LA Weekly’s 2011 Production of the Year Award, passionately and proudly led us though their new spaces. Even as many theatre companies are closing their doors, this company managed to buy their beloved theatre, a hundred-year-old former carriage house. And now, it is a theatre with super comfortable seating and very advanced technology — for ‘Winter’s Bench,’ delightful images are projected behind the actors throughout the performance.
24th Street Theatre features Spanish supertitles for all its English language productions, while Spanish language productions offer supertitles in English. What an achievement! Bravo!
Founded in 1997, 24th Street Theatre is nationally recognized for pairing adventurous professional theater with deep community engagement. Its landmark theater, distinguished by its giant green doors, serves as a gathering place where neighborhood residents, students, families and unhoused neighbors find not only performances but educational, cultural and social service resources. The company serves more than 10,000 people annually, including approximately 6,000 children and youth. They established a campaign of $5 million, and they raised $3 million so far, hoping that generous donations will complete their task to make 24th street theatre and their new Black Box Theatre all new and remodeled with their own parking space available soon.
Performances for Winter’s Bench take place on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through October 25. Tickets range from $10 to $24. The production is recommended for ages 7 and older. 24th Street Theatre is located at 1117 West 24th St., Los Angeles, CA 90007 (at the intersection of 24th and Hoover).
For tickets and information, visit 24thstreet.org or call (213) 745-6516.