TheatreWorks does it again—and again and again. This classy production company doesn’t seem to know how to do any-thing wrong. The theater has hit an all-time high with its 45th season opening world premiere of “The Great Pretender.” This entire story is crammed into 90 minutes of sheer charming delight.
Coping with the loss of and love for those around you is a frail path to cross without becoming morose and depressing, but playwright David West Read carries the piece with a delightful, sensitive thread of understanding.
Roy Felt (a gentle Steve Brady), a puppeteer of a children’s TV show, is trying to cope with the loss of his wife, with support from his beloved puppets and lifelong partners, Carol (a bigger-than-life, potty-mouthed, tell it like it is Suzanne Grodnier) and his director Tom (a sensitive Michael Storm). Tom introduces Jodi (a naïve, oblivious Sarah Moser) as an ardent fan of the show since childhood. She emulates the voice of the favorite wise-cracking puppet that needs replacing, and touches Roy with impossible possibilities.
The bittersweet story involving the puppets and Roy’s close friends plays out realizations that life must go on.
The show is delicately directed by Stephen Brackett with attention to detail. Although never developing Carol and Tom’s characters to their fullest, the whole production gives off warmth that leaves a satisfied feeling of acceptance.
Each character is superbly cast and the puppets touch the audience with excellent timing and acceptance.
Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Through: Aug. 3
Tickets: $19-$74
Details: (650) 463-1960 or visit theatreworks.org
