Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Fostered was born in the time of darkness when playwright Chaya Doswell needed to laugh the most. Bringing the elements of her own life, the story is told through the humor of messy relationships, and by exposing everyone's true character, we get to dig into who is really who. Beneath the beautiful harmony and love we may see on the outside; the inconvenient and very different truth could be happening inside. Sometimes who people really are can be quite a mystery. At times, haven't we all pretended to be somebody or something we are not? Cleverly written, with so many interwoven comedic moments, this brilliant comedy will make you laugh and is wholeheartedly recommended.
Director Andrew Weyman says, 'When I first readFostered, I fell in love with it." Chaya Doswell's masterful storytelling seamlessly weaves farce, drama and comedy. It makes me laugh. It makes me think. My directorial challenge was to put together the pieces of this tonal jigsaw puzzle and tell a complicated story. All eight characters are in unconventional relationships. They discover their authentic selves while confronting the false realities of the lives they have unintentionally created. I wanted to explore the emotional truth, absurdity, and humor of it all.'
What a fabulous accomplishment Weyman has made with this production! Taking a great script and building on it by choosing the perfect cast, putting this gigantic puzzle together with such delight and fine craftsmanship, is truly a gift of great directorial talent. Very well done!
On the sad side, Weyman and his wife Terry Davis (aka Karen in the play) and another cast member lost their homes in the horrendous Palisades firestorm not long ago. It's been a difficult time for many. "Fostered has provided us with the opportunity to laugh and enjoy the healing power of a good guffaw. To be able to share the laughter with others who were impacted by the recent fires and help heal the community is a gift," says Weyman.
The outstanding cast plays perfectly together. Every character is deeply explored. Comic timing is perfect for all the actions and reactions. We almost see the dance through the precise choreography of all the entrances and exits. What an amazing cast; Terry Davis as Karen Foster;
Katy Downing as Alice Foster;
Jillian Lee Garner as Maggie Foster;
Hope Lauren as Rachel Foster;
Hiram Murray as Daniel;
Taubert Nadalini as Jeremy Foster;
Tony Pasqualini as Sandy Foster and
Satiar Pourvasei as Shafeek.
Presented by Pacific Resident Theatre "in an uncharacteristic and heartfelt departure from its celebrated canon of rare classical gems, Marilyn Fox (artistic director) invites audiences to laugh, heal, and come together at Fostered-a vibrant contemporary comedy born from resilience and hope."
Keith Stevenson (Sound Design) does the playful music, the complex and fun scenic design is by Rich Rose, Audrey Eisner (costume designer) dressed the cast beautifully and Michael Redfield (Lighting Design) made them shine. The assistant director is Lily Brown; James Morris is the builder of the set and Bianca Martucci Rickheim stage managed everything.
Fostered runs at Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Boulevard in Venice until July 20, 2025. The performances are Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3 pm (no Thursday performances after June 25). Added 2pm matinees (check website for dates). Tickets are $35-$45 ($35 Thursdays, 55+ Discount $10; Student rush at door $12. For tickets call 310-822-8392 or go online at
https://pacificresidenttheatre.org/
You can also visit Instagram @pacificresidenttheatre.
*Run time is approximately 115 minutes (including one intermission).