'Cemetery Club' offers rich humor, emotionBy Lorraine
Lucciola,
Standard-Times correspondent
 So, what's so funny about
dying? Well, on the surface, nothing, really. But in surmounting the
day-to-day emotional hurdles of living without a loved one, survivors do
encounter, and sometimes, bring about, funny and enlightening situations.
"The Cemetery Club,"
by Ivan Menchell, offers such a glimpse into the lives of three women who,
during the course of 20 or so years, have become widows. As friends, they
shared the best parts of their married lives together and now, share their
monthly visits to the cemetery.
Under the direction of Ralph
Martin, the Little Theatre of Fall River presents a wonderfully sensitive
production. The three leading roles are easily portrayed by Dee Kullander
(Ida), Deborah Sadler (Lucille) and Cathy Taitz (Doris).
At times they look and sound
like "The Golden Girls" of television fame, each with her own humorous
eccentricities, expectations and modes of survival.
Lucille has, for the most part,
ditched the grieving process and lives in the present. Her lines are
priceless. It seems that her dear, departed Harry departed from marital
fidelity long before he died. Lucille has, more than the other two women,
come to terms with that loss and is admittedly on the prowl.
Ms. Sadler's moments on stage
are sure and strong. She is the leader that fuels conflict and resolution.
Her demeanor and delivery are reminiscent of actress-comedienne Bea
Arthur.
Dee Kullander,
as Ida, wears her grief a bit more demurely. Ms. Kullander skillfully
convinces us that perhaps Ida can finally begin to join the land of the
living.
She sends a
strong message that the love and memories don't go away. Yet, grieving and
making pilgrimages to Murray's grave can't continue to be her full-time
job.
Cathy Taitz laces
the difficult role of Doris with grace, honesty and sensitive
transformations. Doris cannot and will not give up the visits to Abe's
resting place. She even brings a folding chair and garden scissors with
her.
Ms. Taitz's
likable and believable performance shows acute understanding of the
emotional balancing act that defines Doris.
Laura Bomback attacks even the
smallest supporting roles with verve and humor. Her appearance as Mildred
is no exception. Her attention to detail is impeccable.
Sam is the only male in the
piece, and is smoothly played by Jerry Goldberg, whose forte is
undoubtedly comedy.
Sam is the neighborly butcher, the guy next door and also a widower. When
he appears on the scene, however, the group dynamics change, forcing the
characters to take a look at their own lives and decide what is ultimately
important about them.
He makes a case for unpredictable behavior on the parts of those who have
lost a spouse. When he delivers these scripted thoughts, his expressions
so accurately convey the sea of emotions that can sometimes even scare the
person having them.
Mr. Goldberg is completely comfortable sharing the stage with four very
different personalities, real and fictional. His presence is a delight and
an asset to this production.
"The Cemetery Club" is a
must-see experience. It is a poignant and playful tribute to the art of
living and laughing, and is also an unbeatable example of sharp Jewish
humor.
The Little
Theatre of Fall River's production of "The Cemetery Club" continues at 8
tonight and 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center,
Bristol Community College, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River. Tickets are $12,
$10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and under.
For information and
reservations, call (508) 675-1852.
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