I wonder if Kevin Mckeon knew what an undertaking transforming
David Guterson’s
”
Snow Falling on Cedars
”
to a stage play would be? Here is a story that has so many
facets in design and timing, that not being clear in any one of the
components would create a confusing difficult plot to follow.
I wonder if Kevin Mckeon knew what an undertaking transforming David Guterson’s “Snow Falling on Cedars” to a stage play would be? Here is a story that has so many facets in design and timing, that not being clear in any one of the components would create a confusing difficult plot to follow. The transformation was successful, and the result is a work of delicate storytelling that brings out the inner ideals of people and a time, compacted into a few hours.
Here we have a kaleidoscope of forbidden love, war, injustice, prejudice, a murder trial and conscience that sometimes leaps from the present to the past. All of it is done with an inspired cast of 12, deftly handling 30 plus different characters.
The action takes place on one set created by imaginative scenic designer Andrea Bechert. She takes the audience to and from the courtroom in the opening scene, to arbors surrounded by cedar trees, to fishing boats at dock and in stormy seas, to an internment camp and to a bloody battlefield. Lighting designer Steven Mannshardt enhances the brilliant set, making the changes before your eyes believable.
Robert Kelly directs with his usual precision and sensitivity, portraying the depths of each character from the accomplished actors.
This well-done offering clearly shows how the insidiousness of prejudice, injustice and indignity can be splattered on the innocent anytime and anywhere, by ignorance and intolerance.
TheatreWorks again brings us splendid theatre.
***
‘Snow Falling On Cedars’
Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Through: April 24
Tickets: $24 – $67
Details: (650) 463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org.
