Review: The New Jewish Theatre's Fascinating GOLDA'S BALCONY

After playwright William Gibson's GOLDA fizzled he reworked the material to form the one woman show GOLDA'S BALCONY. It's been a big success for the actresses who have undertaken the role, and we're lucky to have one of St. Louis' finest portraying this historically important figure. The New Jewish Theatre's current production, which opens their 20th season, gives Lavonne Byers the opportunity to, once again, thoroughly engage and enthrall an audience, while giving us insights into Golda Meir's fascinating life story. This is an incredibly well crafted presentation that definitely deserves your attendance.

The play is set in Israel, 1976, for the most part. Although, it does visit other times and locations as Golda's story plays out in front of us. From her birth in Russia through her move to Milwaukee, to her time as Prime Minister of Israel, her attitudes and beliefs are as constant as her drive is incessant. An area of focus is the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and specifically questions of whether nuclear weapons were ever considered as an option. One thing is certain; her shots from the hip consistently hit their targets.

Lavonne Byers is a marvel as Golda, completely inhabiting her, and delivering a performance that is never a caricature, but instead presents us with a genuine character. She deftly mines this material for maximum effect, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. Byers continues to amaze, no matter what role she takes on, and here she is simply superlative.

Henry I. Schvey's sharp direction makes sure there's no static moments that occur over the course of the play's 90 minutes. Peter and Margery Spack have created another wonderful scenic design, with Margery also handling the props, and Peter the scenic art. Robin Weatherall's sound design is thoughtfully conceived, and Kimberly Klearman's lighting is evocative. Michele Friedman Siler contributes the simple and effective ensemble Byers wears.

The New Jewish Theatre's production of GOLDA'S BALCONY is not only informative, but also delightful and powerful. This is must-see stuff, and the show continues through October 30, 2016.

Photo credit: Eric Woolsey