Review: On Theater: A splendid sister act in 'The Octette Bridge Club' in Newport

By Tom Titus

Feb. 1, 2018 12 PM PT

In this era of emphasis on women’s issues, Newport Theatre Arts Center has taken a step back — into the 1930s and ’40s — to present a dramatic comedy about eight Irish sisters who make up “The Octette Bridge Club.”

It wasn’t exactly planned that way — the P.J. Barry play was a late substitution for the originally scheduled “Charley’s Aunt” — but it’s quite effective nevertheless.

“Octette” focuses on themes such as infidelity, mental illness and alcoholism, all encompassed by a rigid Catholic faith, against the backdrop of the Depression and World War II.

It’s all raw meat for the eight women on the Newport stage under the painstaking direction of David Montroni, who manages to ferret out the dark humor (and there is quite a bit) from some heavy situations. It’s a fine ensemble effort, though it’s no surprise that a few individual performances rise to the top.

Paramount among these is Michelle Bendetti’s traumatic interpretation of the youngest sister, Betsy, who — to borrow a bridge metaphor — is a few cards short of a full deck. Bendetti builds her troubled character from silent withdrawal to (after a trip to the funny farm) rip-roaring exhibitionism in a stunning and engrossing performance.

Balancing her on the comical end of the picture is Kip Hogan as the wisecracking Connie who, given the time period, limits her expletives to “gosh,” “darn” and “heck.” Connie claims the devil’s forking her tongue and in Hogan’s depiction, it’s a sharp pitchfork.

Judy Jones excels as the haughty, judgmental eldest sister, Martha, who attempts to rule the roost and maintain lifetime control of her brood. Yvonne Robertson gives a touching portrayal of Mary, the only spinster sister, for whom life turns most cruel.

The happiest lady of the lot is Nora (Mary-Pat Gonzalez) who’s been wed to her childhood sweetheart forever and retains an air of romanticism. Lisa Renee nicely enacts Ann, the cheery hostess, sidestepping her husband’s alcoholism.

Lorraine Winslow spunkily enacts Alice, the chatty gossip, whose Lone Ranger act is a hoot at the sisters’ costume show. And Tamra Talbert glows as Lil, the musical member of the clan, who’ll remind you of her talent at any opportunity.

Completing the cast is Vincent Carr as a newspaper photographer whose early interviews with the ladies establish needed exposition. Andrew Otero doubles as set designer/dresser and scenic artist, creating an ideal early century atmosphere.

You don’t need to have a working knowledge of bridge (I certainly don’t) to both enjoy and appreciate the efforts expended to bring this period piece home for a welcome visit to the Newport Theatre Arts Center.