Theatreworks has, as usual, brought a brilliantly produced and
directed gem to its stage.
Theatreworks has, as usual, brought a brilliantly produced and directed gem to its stage.
Award-winning “Intimate Apparel,” powerfully and sensitively written by Lynn Nottage, is a masterpiece of presenting women of different stations at the dawn of the 20th century. Anthony J. Haney’s direction is like watching a master painting materialize before your eyes. All the actors are flawless in their portrayals.
The story centers on Esther, an unconstrained, illiterate African American in the early 1900’s.
She survives by creating “intimate apparel” for the upper class, affluent, usually bored, unhappily married ladies in the better neighborhoods and for shady ladies downtown.
She is lonely and insecure and reaches out for ill-fated love through correspondence with a man courting her from a far away place. Others answer his letters for her.
She also finds warmth in an unfulfilled relationship that can go nowhere with another man who cannot touch her.
Her determination and strength help her survive and go on with her life.
Laiona Michelle as Esther gives an earthy, gut-wrenching, rich performance. She is perfection in the role and touches the audience.
Jackson Davis as David Marks, an Orthodox Jewish fabric dealer, creates a chemistry with Esther that is magnetic.
Each knows that the relationship is impossible and unspoken frustration and longing are palpable.
Lisa Anne Morrison as the well-to-do lady Tracey Conyer Lee as a lady of the night and friend of Esther’s and Bryan Hicks as George Esther’s manipulating husband are delicious subjects of the times and their presentations are perfection.
Musical Director William Libertore adds just the right touch of the ragtime sound to set the mood. Eric Sinkkonen’s sets are engaging and clever.
Tall panels that catch the interesting lighting by Steven Mannshardt and Chad Bonakar move and slide to divulge the scene of the moment.
Allison Conner captures the period with her costumes and beautiful corsets.
“Intimate Apparel” is a true gem in the Theatreworks crown of quality theater and should not be missed.
Camille Bounds is the Theatre and Arts Editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publication.
