Sense of Loss Resonates in ‘Time’

“Time Flies When You’re Alive,” Paul Linke’s autobiographical solo show about the death of his wife, Francesca, in 1986, was first produced in 1987.

As Linke notes during the show’s present run at Pacific Resident Theatre, he has performed “Time Flies” roughly 300 times. Yet in Charles Nelson Reilly’s staging, based on Mark W. Travis’ original direction, Linke’s wrenching reminiscence echoes with undiminished artistry and surprising humor. Despite the palliative passage of time, Linke makes us feel his loss as if it happened yesterday.

When Francesca died, Linke was left alone with three small children to raise. (He addresses the problems of his single parenthood, among other issues, in Parts 2 and 3 of his “Time” trilogy, to be presented in its entirety at the theater.) Linke’s tone is casual, the staging simple: A chair, a few props, Kathi O’Donohue’s unfussy lighting, and a backdrop--the handmade banner from Paul and Francesca’s wedding--suffice to set the scene.

Linke is brutally candid about his relationship with Francesca, her battle with breast cancer and her agonizing decline. Yet he is never gratuitous--and he never shirks from the truth, no matter how difficult. Francesca, a holistic healing enthusiast, ignored a mass in her breast for many months before consulting an M.D. Linke asks us to suspend judgment about Francesca’s actions--or lack of them. That’s not easy to do. But, as Linke makes clear, cancer is the sole culprit in this saga of love, loss and heroism. And for those overdue for a mammogram, his cautionary tale sounds a clarion call to act--now.--F.K.F.

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* “Time Flies When You’re Alive,” Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. Dark this weekend, as Part 2 of the “Time” trilogy opens. “Time Flies” returns on July 9, 23, 30, 8 p.m.; Aug. 1, 3 p.m. (310) 822-8392. $20-$22. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.