PHOTO: Taryn Shaw/Georgetown Voice
In its mission statement, Mask and Bauble strives to bring theatrical classes to Georgetown student life. Thus, their choice to open the season with a production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons is certainly not surprising, and fits right in with the troupe’s preferences and goals. The production features several new talents, in both the cast and crew. First-time director Zoe Novak (COL ’16) explained that fall productions are an essential part of the learning and growing process for those involved. Producer Elly Straske (COL ’16) stated that she and Novak aimed to stay close to the root of American theater. Consequently, the play follows a traditional rendition, remaining faithful to the original script. The production successfully conveys the drama and slow tension of Miller’s play, transporting us back to 1940s small-town America.
The story takes place over the course of one day at the home of Joe and Kate, played by Caleb Lewis (COL ’16) and Caroline Barnes (COL ’19). Their quiet family life is quickly uprooted when a tree, planted in memorial for their son Larry, crashes in the night. That same day, Larry’s once girlfriend, Ann Deever, played by Natalie Caceres (MSB ’16), arrives back at the house, invited by Larry’s brother, Chris, played by Austin Parenteau (SFS ’19), who intends to propose.
The set, designed by Marko Palumbo (COL ’16), resembles a typical suburban home. The backdrop is a red brick house and wooden porch, complete with rocking chair and white-picket gate — specifically hallmarking the stereotypes of the quintessential American home. Fake grass and a white garden table with chairs populate the yard, while the stage is lined by papier-mâché trees, which are shorter than the main apple tree so as not to distract focus from it. The result is a neat, manicured setting that contrasts beautifully with the commotion unfolding on it.
Despite this being her first time directing, Novak managed to create a play that is professionally executed. All the main actors performed phenomenally. Barnes and Parenteau, making their Georgetown acting debuts, stood out in particular. Ms. Barnes convincingly transformed herself into a much older woman, one who slowly but surely reveals to be mentally unstable. This is manifest through her opposition to Chris and Ann’s union, due to her unwillingness to accept Larry’s death. Through his body language, Mr. Parenteau effectively conveys the often subtle emotions of his character. Connor Canning’s performance as George Deever was also particularly powerful.
The lighting design, by Cate Calogero (COL ’18), shifts from bright in the morning, to soft and orangey in the evening, and to blue at night. The costumes, designed by Rachel Henry (COL ’17) and Madison Stingray, realistically imitate 1940’s style. Each of these nuances added depth to the performance by representing the personality of the individual character.
Mask and Bauble’s rendition of All My Sons is extremely moving, a solid performance of a truly American play. If you did not read it in high school, be warned; it is far from light entertainment and might make you think more than you do in class — which, to be fair, is never a bad thing.
Showtimes
Oct. 15-17, 8 p.m.
Oct. 18, 2 p.m.
Oct. 21-24, 8 p.m.
Stage III Poulton Hall
