On Theater: An ‘Abundance’ of pioneer pathos

Twenty-six years after “Abundance” made its world premiere on the stage of South Coast Repertory, Beth Henley’s pioneer-flavored drama is back where it started, this time under the skilled directorship of Martin Benson.

Henley actually has crafted two plays in one — the first about two mail-order brides and their struggle on the Wyoming frontier, the second tracing the rough transition of friendship into betrayal as the characters engage in a different kind of struggle — for their piece of the action.

It’s the latter element which is Henley’s stock in trade. The Pulitzer Prize winner (for “Crimes of the Heart”) excels at interpersonal dramatics, and here she creates possibly the most repulsive character you’ll see on any stage to interact with the two principal figures.

Bess (Lily Holleman) and Macon (Paige Lindsey White) meet as the play opens, both newly arrived in Wyoming awaiting their future husbands — whom neither has yet seen. They become fast friends who depend on one another for emotional support until one of them vanishes just before intermission.

The brutal, uncouth Jack (Adam Haas Hunter) is filling in for his late brother, who had wooed Bess by mail, and he quickly awakens her from her dream of romance. The more taciturn suitor, the one-eyed William (Daniel Reichert) proves an honorable spouse for the ambitious Macon.

All these actors are excellent, but it’s Hollerman who delivers the most memorable performance, primarily because of her dual characterization. The wide-eyed, adventurous bride becomes somewhat of a terrifying figure in the second act as Henley’s plot takes a careening turn — which can’t be discussed here for fear of setting off a spoiler alert.

White’s more worldly young woman, also quite out of her element, exhibits her survival skills as the stronger partner in her marriage. She came west to “see the elephant,” but winds up shooting the ox, and her disintegration, both physical and emotional, late in the production is harrowing — and admirably accomplished.

Hunter is blessed (cursed?) with the one-dimensional role of Bess’ crude, borderline sadistic hubby, and strives mightily to keep his completely self-absorbed character from tumbling into the pit of caricature. Such an utter waste of humanity is devoid of redeeming qualities, and Hunter fleshes out this loathsome wastrel with consummate skill.

More down to earth, though not nearly so interesting, in contrast is Reichert’s hard-working, unromantic William, whose idea of a present to his bride is a new eye for himself. This low-key role gains in importance later in the play when he conveys a life-changing decision.

A fifth character arrives midway through the second act in the form of Larry Bates as a professor bent on changing one of the four principals’ lives forever. Bates represents the “outside world” and does a formidable job in that regard.

Benson engineers this episodic chronicle with swift changes in setting, abetted by John Iacovelli’s creative scenic design. Angela Balogh Calin’s period costumes fill the bill nicely, while the sound and lighting effects, from Michael Roth and Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz, respectively, furnish atmospheric exclamation points.

“Abundance” may not be the production for all playgoers’ tastes, but it will leave a mark on its audiences’ sensibilities during its powerful return visit to South Coast Repertory.

TOM TITUS covers local theater.

*

IF YOU GO

What: “Abundance”

Where: South Coast Repertory Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: Tuesdays through Sundays at varying curtain times until Nov. 15

Cost: $22 to $77

Call: (714) 708-5555