If you a interested in a play about second chances make your way to the world premiere of Phil Olson’s “Mom’s Gift” running through Jan. 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in the NoHo Arts District.
The story of an earthbound ghost looking for her wings in a somewhat dysfunctional family is often quite heartwarming and telling.
If this is indeed a play meant for the holiday season the effort it makes to charm, endear and touch our emotions is honest, admirable and, not to mention, successful.
Though the language presents us, the audience, with a number of cliches, there are enough laughs and tender moments to make this play worth seeing.
Olson is a master of the obvious. He builds an entire show around it here. His humor may be dry, but at times, as with the hilarious Mrs. Norquist, it is very funny and topical.
The theme of getting to do something over again in one’s life is very well spelled-out and argued here as is the continuos presence of the ghost who witnesses what the family is saying, doing and feeling when they don’t know she is there.
The direction by Sherry Netherland is firm and strong. It defines the relationships and adds to the dialogue. But most importantly, Netherland’s gift to this “Gift” is staying out of the way of the assembled actors, all of whom are uniquely talented and suited to their roles.
Cyrus Alexander (Kevin) gives a convincing and sensitive turn. It is hard to take your eyes off of him on stage.
Lisa McGee-Mann (Trish) is authentic, compassionate and sympathetic. She does not have a false moment.
Chris Winfield (Dad) is an understanding and caring father in a world he no longer understands.
Julia Silverman (Mom) strikes a delicate balance between loving matriarch and ghost. Her grace and finesse are pure and true.
Gina Yates (Kat) is the play’s voice. Intelligent, brave and always opinionated, she brings the house down and just about narrates the play. This is a motivated actress at her finest.
But it is Trisha Hershberger (Brittney) who steals the play. Sexy, sweet and unmistakably a Hooters girl, Hershberger’s energy, passion and easy charm come out in a multi-layered performance. She is given some of the best and funniest lines in the play and does the most with them.
Hershberger possesses a stage presence hard to define and an inner fire and beauty even more difficult to dim. This critic hopes to see her on stages in North Hollywood and Los Angeles soon. Hershberger belongs on stage. This is a career-making turn.
All in all, “Mom’s Gift” works because it does not try to be funny, it just is. It flows freely and surely like a rolling river looking for an ocean.
If it is indeed holiday entertainment you are looking for, Olson’s play will fill those emotional gaps and turn a routine holiday into an unforgettable journey towards forgiveness, love and self-transformation. It is a unique theatrical experience.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pmSundays at 2pmAdmission: $22. Seniors/Students: $17. Groups 10+: $15.Tickets/Information: (818) 763-5990.
