Review: Dezart Performs Delivers A Highly Moving and Heartfelt THE OUTGOING TIDE At The Pearl McManus Theatre

The Coachella Valley is quickly becoming a mecca for exceptional theatre. And Dezart Performs' THE OUTGOING TIDE is no exception. Under Michael Shaw's skilled and measured direction the three actors bring tremendous honesty and poignancy to dialogue that could have easily waded into "made for television movie" territory. But the high level of craft, and the artistic collaboration between actors and director insure an evening that is profoundly moving, highly emotional and deeply thought provoking.

THE OUTGOING TIDE tells the story of a man facing the demons of his past as his mind begins to slip away, and a family coming to terms with the unorthodox plan he has devised to secure their future and take control of his destiny. Bruce Graham's play tackles the subject of aging and, although not specifically mentioned, Alzheimer's disease. I found Graham's book to be uneven. In its finer moments it is emotionally riveting, smart, and heartfelt. In its weaker moments it is borderline cliche and banal. Blessedly, the stronger moments outweigh the weaker ones. He is somewhat unsuccessful with the numerous "flashback" sequences. The author might have been more successful adding two more characters to his play - a "Young Peg" and a "Young Jack" - to add to the emotional pull of what he was trying to accomplish. Having the older actors play their "much younger selves" (Jack, for example, who is mid forties, plays a ten year old boy in the flashbacks) is somewhat uncomfortable and took me "out of the play" time and time again.

Michael Fairman's Gunner is equal parts strength and sensitivity. His performance is riveting and he is clearly an actor at the top of his game in this role. There is never a moment on stage when he is not living in total truth. Judith Chapman delivers a flawless performance as Peg, his wife of 50 years. It is testament to her tremendous abilities that her moments of stillness are equally as impactful and emotional as her moments of dramatic abandon. Every subtle physical movement adds a depth to her very layered portrayal. She is a woman fighting for emotional control and we are drawn into that struggle from her brilliantly executed entrance through her entire character arc. Scott Smith, as Gunner's son Jack, was slightly overplayed (especially in facial reactions) in this very small space and I always felt like he was "acting". The audience is so close to the actors that it always felt like he was over-reaching and, thus, slightly false. I wanted him to "feel" more and "express" less.

As stated above, director Michael Shaw did a superb job in taming the material and delivering a very touching and tender love story between a husband and wife who are forced to face their bitter reality and to say goodbye much too soon. He made great use of the limitations of space in the venue and his deft hand was all too obvious in the success of telling this story so honestly and effectively.

Thomas Valach's scenic design is truly one of the stars of the production. It is both visually appealing and highly effective in making sense of the small space. Valach's design is like a fourth character in the play and great visual support to the story. Phil Murphy's lighting design serves the play well, albeit a few distracting "dark patches" in several playing areas. (This is not a criticism of the designer, but of the limitations of the venue) Clark Duggar's sound design was really quite wonderful and enhanced the production at every turn.

As the "season" comes to a close in Palm Springs the audiences begin to dwindle and, in fact, literally drift away on the outgoing tide of late spring. In this particular case I find it extremely disheartening because this production is definitive "must see" theatre. If you are within driving distance (yes, I am speaking to you LA, San Diego and Orange County) you would find it well worth the trek to the desert.

THE OUTGOING TIDE plays Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm at The Pearl McManus Theatre, 314 Cahuilla Road in downtown Palm Springs. For tickets or information visit www.dezartperforms.org.

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