The Baptist Witches of Shelbyville – Whitefire Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
This world premiere dark comedy, full of surprises, keeps the audience on their toes. The ensemble delivers an absolutely sensational and engaging performance. Each member of the cast is extraordinary, and each has their specific moments to shine on stage. This modern Southern Gothic is powerful and, in its entirety, enjoyable.
The Baptist Witches of Shelbyville by Julie Shavers, directed by Daniel O’Brien, is being presented by Black Rocking Chair Productions. The play is set in a small town in Tennessee where the oldest daughter Lucinda Moon, wondrously portrayed by Mamie Gummer, returns to visit her family for the 4th of July holiday. The twin sisters, Birdie Moon played by Julie Shavers, and in the role of Kitty Moon is Ashley Ward, are preparing for the occasion with fireworks, a tumbler of frosé, and blue buns for the hamburgers. It’s in the little surprises – where the truth is exposed. From their mother Mama Moon played by Gigi Bermingham to a 20-year-old biracial daughter Lottie Walker portrayed by Angelie Simone, the secrets that no one else ever talked about, or maybe even knew, are revealed. And then, there is a grandma, Mama’s mother who needs constant care because of the dementia. A Matriarch who has passed along her own secrets to the next generations.
“These characters are women of deep grace and strength,” observes director Daniel O’Brien, “with inherited spiritual wisdom. The flip side is their inherited trauma. This play wrestles with the debate between spiritual bypass and taking action, examining the traumas a woman’s heart can sustain, and how in this story a Matriarchy that includes five generations of women under one roof can turn suffering into healing.”
Creatives complete the play with their fabulous creativity. The sound & video design is done by David Zuckerman, lighting design is by Derek McDaniel, production design is by Carmen Ziller, original music is by Cameron Clarke and fight choreography is by Ned Mochel.
The Baptist Witches of Shelbyville opened on April 3 and runs at 8pm on April 11, 17, 18, 25, and May 1st at the Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, Ca 91423. General seating is $40.
Run time is approximately 1 hour 55 minutes (including one intermission).
For reservations go to https://whitefire.stagey.net/projects/13984?tab=tickets