Muddy Waters Theatre Company's THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE

If you go into this play knowing that Edward Albee was dealing with the losses of friends and colleagues who had been felled by the AIDS virus when he wrote this, then you may have a deeper appreciation for what he was trying to accomplish with The Lady from Dubuque. Otherwise, you may be quite perplexed by this group of mostly unlikable characters that have gathered at the home of Sam and Jo. And, don't despair if you're put off by the bitchiness of the first act, the second act offers up clues that may provide you with a much deeper understanding of its message.

When the play begins, friends are involved in a game called "Who am I?". But, their merriment is quelled by the pointed comments that their host Jo keeps interjecting. We learn quickly that Jo is dying, and suffering a great deal of pain. But, the biting criticisms she doles out are just plain mean spirited, and illness or not, hurtful. And, this back biting discussion continues for the bulk of the first act. The party eventually breaks up and Sam carries his wife upstairs to put her to bed. Suddenly, two characters appear and, after a cryptic exchange, settle in. But, who are these people? As the second act begins, we only know that one claims to be Jo's mother, even though she isn't the same person that Sam met, and she's not even from the same part of the country. Sound peculiar? Well, it is, but listen carefully to the dialog exchanges and the meaning of it may become a little clearer. You may ask yourself, is this all a dream? Or, are these two characters sent from heaven?

A game cast is led by Joshua Thomas as Sam and Sarah Cannon as Jo. Thomas is solid as always, even when his character appears to be as confused as the audience. Cannon does stellar work in what could be a completely thankless role. But, one of the issues presented here is about letting go, and her acerbic remarks achieve that goal where her friends are concerned. Together they are well matched, and you can really sense the frustration that Thomas is dealing with as he tries to hold himself together in the face of his wife's impending death.

Kirsten Wylder and Robert Mitchell are Elizabeth and Oscar, respectively, the pair who show up unexpectedly at the end of act one, sending the play spiraling off in a different direction than expected. As Elizabeth, Wylder is strong and in control. She's determined to spend time with Jo, comforting her as a mother would, even if it means Sam will have to be restrained to allow it. Mitchell arrives on stage in a suit, but barefoot. Since this is an old burial custom, you may find yourself drawing conclusions about who he actually is. As companion to Elizabeth, he also acts as her protector.

The supporting cast adds immeasurably to the proceedings. Todd Pieper, G.P. Hunsaker, Patty Ulrich and Emily Baker give well rounded portrayals as Sam and Jo's friends, even with the lack of depth of characterization that is missing from Albee's writing.

Director Cameron Ulrich does fine work keeping the action and the actors focused, despite a script which offers more questions than answers. Though it's described as a comedy with tragic elements, it's really not that funny, but it is compelling, and oddly engaging. Maureen Hanratty's lighting is restrained and serviceable. The simple scenic design evokes the early 1980's setting with appropriately subdued furnishings.

Good theatre makes you think, and Albee has given the audience a lot to chew on here. Issues concerning death and the ways in which we identify ourselves are keys to figuring it out, but don't expect to decipher it all, even Albee doesn't fully explain what he's getting at. At times, it's rather messy and convoluted, but The Lady from Dubuque provokes a dialog, and that's truly the key to understanding it.

Muddy Waters Theatre Company's presentation of Edward Albee's The Lady from Dubuque continues through June 28, 2009, at the Kranzberg Center on Grand. For ticket information call 314-540-7831, or visit their website at www.muddywaterstheatre.com

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