To Grandmother's House We Go at the Colony Theatre: Review

To Grandmother's House We Go Theatre Pick of the Week Review by Tom Provenzano, LA Weekly, February 28-March 5, 1992

There is an unmistakable scent of Chekhov in the air as we are invited into one of the homes of America’s crumbling New England aristocracy. Grandie (a magnificently funny and poignant portrait by Kathryn Fuller) lives with her ancient servant (Sandra Kinder), her brother (Stuart Lancaster), and her daughter (Toni Sawyer) in a huge old house that holds memories and traditions harkening back to the Mayflower. It is Thanksgiving , and her three divorced grandchildren invade, each with his or her own problems and agendas. This could be a tremendous setup for any number of reunion plays, but Joanna M. Glass’ ability to paint startling images in words without ever sounding pompous makes us cling to the story. Glass has a gallant second in director Scott Segall, whose extraordinary sensitivity works its way with each of his talented cast members. Every moment is a polished balance of theatricality and realism. The many bursts of laughter are never pushed, but flow from real human understanding, and an equal number of tears are honest and earned. Technical director Hap Lawrence is to be congratulated for capping Segall’s excellent work by organizing a perfect union of sound effects (Vince Acosta), incidental music (Charles Neuschwanger), costuming (Ted C. Giammona), lighting (Jamie McAllister) and beautifully detailed set design (D. Silvio Volonte).