The Polish-Catholic family matriarch Clara (Ruth Crawford) runs a soup kitchen and tends to the family shrine to the Virgin Mary, commemorating a legendary appearance in her father’s barber shop. Daughter Ruth (Emily Sutton Smith) wants to create a play about the sacred event and has some news to share. Brash bowling sister Beverly (Wendy Hedstrom) warns that mama will never approve of brother Jimmy's (Tony Sump) intention to propose to a Jewish girl. Secrets are revealed that create new “crosswalks” connecting the assorted “divisions” on this family street.
(I think my favorite line was Beverly’s contention, “This is religion; it isn’t supPOSED to make sense.”)
Tom Dudeck's script is somewhat contrived but warm and entertaining, as this family wraps its identity around new truths, in a cozy, realistic 50’s style kitchen (Bartley H. Bauer) All the actors brought a natural sincerity to their roles. Director Rob Roznowski has deftly guided this family to a new version of truth, tolerance and forgiveness.
This show runs about an hour and a half, with no intermission — through December 28 — and is selling very well. Reservations are in order!www.williamstontheatre.com(517) 655-SHOW (7469)