Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Santa Monica Playhouse is thrilled to present the world premiere of a powerful and touching play, 'End of Times Therapy' to support the Save the Main Stage Campaign, that was destroyed in a water damage disaster in July of 2024. Solange Castro is a writer, who happens to also a standup comic and the playwright, therefore; this potent, original play set in La Crescenta is full of comedic lines and moments, even though the subject of the play is very serious. The events take place from 2037-2040, when pretty therapist Sage (played by Abigail Marlowe), who appears to be the age of 30+, tries to help a very young woman escape the life dominated by the patriarchy of the local tribe. She is stuck in this place and her only purpose is to make babies, clean and cook for her man. It doesn't matter what she wants, she does not make decisions about her life. In these times of earthquakes, floods and contaminated water, where people have no food to eat or safe water to drink, there are many ways to die. Tyra-a young women (Sarah Cortez), is happy to have a purpose and by not knowing about anything better, she actually loves her life.
The play begins in darkness with radio and television announcements about all kinds of disasters throughout the Country and the devastation everyone is facing, including the possibilities of war. Destruction is everywhere and the therapy session is a light in the utter darkness surrounding them. There are some fun comedy moments, especially when a woman in her 30's is looked upon as worn out and not so attractive anymore. Even Sage's husband left her for a cult, because he was addicted to meditation and was looking for enlightenment.
Robert Yasumura directed the play, and skillfully brought out the qualities of all actors, to show how the power and politics continue to dominate American life even in the post-apocalypse. Perfectly cast, the actors share their internal experiences of digging into the emotions connected to satisfaction, grief and anger, masculine verses feminine roles in the society, and some romantic love. Greatly done!
The rest of the amazing cast members are Anne Gregory (Dr.Jacobs), Jeremy Guskin (Trip), Anthony Riggins Jr.(Target) and Leonard Wu (Max). SFX Voice over (Newscaster) is Paul Jackson. Other voices we hear are: Steve Benaquist, Ted Hardwick, Christian Malmin, Jason Boggs, Jesse Mackey, Jamison Reeves and Paul Jackson. The Creative TEAM members are Peter Carlstedt (Sound Designer), Mio Okada (Set Designer), Laura gambo (Music Supervisor), and George J Vennes III (Production Stage Manager, Playhouse Technical Director).
'Since 2000, the Santa Monica Playhouse Series has introduced more than 1000 new audiences members each year to the magic and wonder of live theatre to fulfil its mandate of providing an affordable theatre experience that will enhance art appreciation, celerity diversity, bring families together, address issues and concerns to the community, and for audiences of all ages to learn from each other.'
END OF TIMES THERAPY was being performed for three weekends only, as the benefit to save the main stage, running through Saturday, March 8th at 7:30 pm. The tickets were General Admission $35, Students, Teachers, Seniors, and Military: $27.50 and the Groups of 8 or more: $25. The theatre is located at 1211 4th Street in Santa Monica.
A water damage disaster pretty much destroyed the main stage; carpets, seats, walls, equipment, ceiling and everything needs to be rebuilt. You can donate by calling Santa Monica Playhouse at 310-394-9779 or go to www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com