Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Reviewed by Natalie Shaw
Every women I know has been there--right on the edge! And you've been there too. Ready to slap the next person who dares to cut eyes at you, or throw your printer out the window because the darn document just won't print, throw your phone in the ocean, rip every page out the book, or just scream at the top of your lungs, because you have had ENOUGH!! It's usually not one single thing that sets us off (or nearly off,) either. It's days, weeks or months piled up with one chaotic disaster after another. It's the 100th meal you've prepared that your child refuses to eat. It's the insurance company denying your medication for the millionth time. It's staying up late every night this month to make a deadline and then the project getting canceled. The list goes on and on. We try to think through it, keep ourselves cool under pressure and we try harder to keep from doing something we'll regret. Meanwhile, our heart is racing, our blood is boiling and we couldn't give a damn what people think of us in that moment. Until, after that moment. When we do slap someone, throw the printer out the window, rip up the book, or scream. Now what? Do we feel better? Not usually. At, least, it's never worked for me in that way. Regret is typically what I feel.
Most people have their own way of dealing with stress. Some cope pretty well, and others struggle to find the next logical step. In the musical comedy, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, main character, Pepa, played by Molly Robinson is devastated when she learns that her lover, Ivan, played by Daniel Evan Memmott Jr. has left her after long-lasting relationship, despite being a married man. Being a passionate Spanish woman, Pepa is heartbroken and desperate, becoming obsessed with finding the man she loves--at first. Her determination turns frantic when she discovers something new, leading her to make some outrageous choices.
Ms. Robinson takes gentle care with each choice she makes for her character, allowing each motivation to begat the next one. The audience can see the ladder that Pepa is climbing, and we wonder, what will happen when she gets to the top? Will she jump? Or will she elevate herself to a level that she has felt she didn't deserve. Ms. Robinson brilliantly builds intensity in such a way, we see Pepa capable of reason or fault. Unlike her frenzied best fried, Candela, played by Lexi Nieto, who panics when faced with turmoil. We worry about Candela's safety and sound judgement in more than one situation that she finds herself in. We shake our heads and wonder, "What was she thinking?" But, as the musical continues, we see Candela as the familiar, unstable friend that so many of us have had, or have been in our own lives. In addition to her sensationally powerful vocals, Ms. Nieto brings a flare to this friendship that speaks of unconditional loyalty and unending excitement; a friendship that has likely stood the test of time. And, while the men in the lives of these women don't seem to be worth throwing a rock at, they have learned the value of their devotion to one another, which is only truly accomplished if the actresses behind them have done their homework.
Another element of this production that I really enjoyed was the live band. Accompaniment is so important for musicals to be successful, and choosing to produce one with a live musicians, rather than a background track is usually the best option, and it certainly was in this circumstance. The beat of the drums, the shaking of the maracas, the pulse of the music brings this Latino culture to life! Kelly Poche Rodriguez and her talented players transport us directly to Madrid, Spain with this high-spirited, zesty soundtrack. And the musical talent doesn't end there. Individually and as an ensemble, the vocals in this production are some of the best all around! The harmonies are flawless and the solos are absolutely impeccable.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is exceptional and full of laughs! This is an excellent choice for your weekend plans!
Accessible seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not available
Audience Rating: PG-13, language, sexual references, sexual content, some violence
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Volume
Noises or Visuals to Know About: Gunshot
Y'all Enjoy!
Natalie Shaw
Comments
Post a Comment