TheatreWorks opens its 40th season with the country pop musical “Tinyard Hill,” a story of basic simplicity with complicated overtones set in a tumultuous time in the history of the United States. It is also the anchor for TheatreWorks 8th annual New Works Festival.
Writer and lyricist Tommy Newman with composer Mark Allen bring a beautifully written script with an almost opera quality, integrated with wonderful country pop music that flows throughout the performance.
Robert Kelly directs with his usual gentle, genius, seamless touch that places the actors in the right place at the right time.
TheatreWorks seems to always cast meticulously. Casting director Leslie Martinson’s gathering of the four players for this production is no exception. From Broadway, baritone James Moye is dad and blacksmith Russell Kingsley. Chris Critelli as David Kingsley – the young, bright principled son – has a glorious tenor and demeanor that keeps the ladies alert. Allison Briner as May Bell Whitehead carries the wisecracking, protective aunt with a strong voice. Melissa WolfKlain holds her own as the 18-year-old Aileen – at a crossroads with decisions of an up and coming marriage – and she brings her New York sophisticated innocence while visiting her aunt who lives in the small Georgia backwoods town.
This is a great mix that creates a believable chemistry.
The plot takes place a few months after the Kennedy assassination. The Vietnam War is a phantom becoming a reality in Tinyard Hill as a draft notice shows up, unexpectedly changing the lives of the people involved.
William Libertore, with his usual high standard, conducts a small group in the pit with a big sound. Pamila Gray’s lighting, Cliff Caruthers’ sound and Tom Langguth’s sets create the right mood. Cathleen Edwards’ costumes fit the time right up to Jackie Kennedy’s little pillbox hat.
This production is TheatreWorks usual first-rate caliber, and play lovers will appreciate the devoted time and effort that has gone into this beautiful piece of theater art.
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“Tinyard Hill”
Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road,
Palo Alto
Through: Aug 16
Tickets: $29-$67
Details: (650) 463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org.
