‘Nantucket Sleighride’ a rough study of relationships

Mary Mallory, Weekend

BURBANK -- Romantic relationships follow their own trajectories. Some

are easygoing and peaceful, others advance in stops and starts, while

some struggle down rocky paths.

“Nantucket Sleighride” attempts to present evolving relationships and

demonstrate why some survive and others shrivel and die. While it

possesses a few flashes of insight, the production mainly muddles along

during a problematic production by the Ascending Artists Stage Company.

The dramedy rarely expands beyond a superficial examination of an

estranged couple struggling to reconcile.

The story revolves around emotionally stifled Dave and his enigmatic

wife, Faye, who attempt to reconnect on a Fourth of July weekend retreat

to a Vermont lake cabin. Unwelcome guests intrude, like Dave’s boorish

co-worker Roy, the distant married co-owners and the wife’s lover, and an

exchange student.

Unfortunately, few of the characters draw the audience’s sympathy.

Most are one-dimensional stereotypes given little to do but argue and

yell at each other. Chief among these are an angry auto mechanic, her

bickering father, and a flirtatious yet unneeded German exchange student.

The one intriguing character, Amir, offers a few words of wisdom and

insight before disappearing early in the second act. Several of the

actors fail to bring their characters fully to life.

Kevin McClatchy strongly brings out Dave’s anger and repression, but

fails to make him truly sympathetic.

Anna Stookey’s Faye is flat, never fully revealing her thoughts and

feelings, too emotionally distant to suggest she might hope for a

reconciliation with Dave.

A few performances stand out. James Geralden shines as Amir, the one

character at peace with himself. He exudes manly self-confidence, wisdom

and presence as a man who enjoys taking risks and living life to the

fullest. Bill Bolender brings an imperious intensity to the role of

Leonard, one of the cabin’s co-owners. His Leonard is crazy as a fox,

keeping the other characters guessing while he snidely digests problems

and personalities.

As his wife Nancy, Lesley Green sympathetically portrays an

emotionally fragile woman who hides her vulnerability behind a playful

sensuality.

Production work is hit or miss as well. Lighting design evocatively

brings atmosphere and mood alive in its creation of fireworks, police car

lights and starlight. Unfortunately, set design and sound work are

overbearing. The log cabin set is crammed with too many props, while the

sound effects are too loud for the size of the theater.

This production is one for adults only, involving discussion of sexual

relationships and the use of vulgar language.

Nick Mize attempts to define the emotional intensity and development

of relationships in “Nantucket Sleighride,” but fails to truly get under

the skin of his struggling characters. While the play offers a

tantalizing subject for discussion, it never fully gels.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: “Nantucket Sleighride,” written by Nick Mize, directed by John

William Young, produced by Alica Gallagher and Nick Mize, an Ascending

Arts Stage Company Production.

WHERE: GTC Burbank Theater, 1100 W. Clark Ave., Burbank.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at through Aug.

26.

TICKETS: Sunday’s performance is free for Burbank residents. Advance

tickets cost $15 for general admission, $12.50 for students and seniors.

Tickets at the door cost $20 general admission, and $15 for seniors and

students. Group rates are also available. For reservations or

information, call 761-6452.