Review by Ashlei Havili Thomas, Front Row Reviewers
Bitter Lemon by Melissa Leilani Larson is a (sort of) world premiere at Plan-B Theatre, according to their playbill. Originally commissioned by Creekside Theatre Fest and performed as an in-hand script performance with a new cast every night, this fully realized production at Plan-B is the 2.0 version, complete with sound score, a stellar cast, and amazing production team. Performing until the end of April, be sure to check out this new work by well-loved local playwright arson produced by Plan-B Theatre at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center here in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Bitter Lemon explores this question listed in the playbill, “What if Lady Macduff finally had her say beyond her 19 lines in The Scottish Play?” To non-theatre buffs or the non-superstitious, the Scottish Play is none other than Shakespeare’s infamous play, Macbeth. Bitter Lemon opens in a liminal space after death with Lady Helen Macduff and the titular character from Shakespeare, Finlay Macbeth. Macbeth has just entered following his demise at the hands of Lady Macduff’s husband, but his memories are hazy, coming into focus slowly. As he remembers, he tries to interact with Lady Macduff, who—full of anger at Macbeth for the murder of herself and her children—has no qualms with giving him a tongue lashing. They go back and forth throughout the play, exploring the nothing-space they find themselves in and trying to figure out where they go from here. As Larson says in the program, “I hope people will think about these iconic people as a little more ordinary–regular people asking questions we all find ourselves asking.”
Yolanda Stange as Lady Macduff is a force to be reckoned with. Angry and embittered, Stange tempers the grief of Lady Macduff with a sense of futility; revenge has little satisfaction in the afterlife. Yet throughout the play, Stange delivers her lines with the regality and force of a general commanding an army. Even when Macbeth has her questioning her own life choices, Stange gives Lady Macduff a deep resolution and single-mindedness that has the audience firmly on her side.
Bobby Cody (Finlay Macbeth) is the water to Stange’s oil. Cody exudes charisma and audacity, persistently pestering Lady Macduff with questions and schemes to escape. Cody gives Macbeth a rehearsed sort of bravado that crumbles over the hour-long play, leaving behind the person Macbeth could have been, had life been different. Cody and Stange are mesmerizing to watch and work beautifully as a team, giving the play an almost Waiting for Godot feel. The tension and ebb and flow of energy between the pair is electric, leaving the audience wondering if they’re still in that liminal space and if resolution will ever be found.
When entering the theater, the audience’s eye is immediately drawn to the scenic design by Janice Chan. With mylar on the floor reflecting the lighting (design by Emma Belnap) onto crinkled panels that serve as backdrop, the space feels ethereal and almost unreal. Various blocks that feel like minimalist chess pieces are scattered through the space, serving as stools. Belnap’s lighting design is eye-catching and instinctual; it seems to reflect the mood of the actors, shifting and casting colored shadows across the area. Victoria Bird designed the costumes for Cody and Stange and deftly weaves different elements of structure, color, and texture to cleverly embody the characteristics of Macbeth and Lady Macduff. The sound design (Cheryl Ann Cluff) creates an uneasiness in the audience that works in perfect harmony with the actors’ rising and falling tension. Cluff’s design falls almost unnoticed at times, then crescendos, leaving an unsettled silence in its wake. All these elements meld together under the direction of Jerry Rapier to create a beautiful piece of art that packs a punch and—like the lemons from the title—is tasted and mulled over for hours after the audience has left.
Bitter Lemon at Plan-B Theater in Salt Lake City runs just under an hour long and is best suited to teenagers and adults due to its philosophical nature. Do not let that dissuade you; while it may not be a spectacle, this understated two person show is thought-provoking and visceral. Larson is a celebrated Utah playwright for a reason, and this show is no exception. Come enjoy this beautiful performance with Plan-B Theater as Bitter Lemon examines the complexity of life and death and what may come after.
Plan-B Theatre presents Bitter Lemon by Melissa Leilani Larson.
The Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
April 11-14, 18-23, 25-28 Thursdays and Fridays 8:00PM, Saturdays 4:00PM, Sundays 2:00PM, with ASL interpreting on April 13 and a sensory friendly performance April 20
Tickets: $15-25
Ticketing website
Bitter Lemon webpage
Bitter Lemon digital playbill
Plan-B Theatre Facebook page
0 Comments