Playing this past weekend at Belmont’s black-box theatre was John Patrick Shanley’s “Sailor’s Song”, a story which presents themes of love, regret and loss that can transcend even the most novice of theatre goers.
“Sailor’s Song” was by the Actors Bridge Ensemble, a local theatre group which includes well-known Nashvillian Brent Maddox, as well as Lipscomb’s theatre professor Robyn Berg. Providing additional talent is Actors Equity Association member Bill Feehely, as well as Jessika Malone and Carrie Gerow.
The production was a dark comedy which features a character named Rich (Maddox) visiting a small, coastal town to comfort his grieving Uncle John (Feehely), as his wife is about to pass away.
While in town, Rich becomes involved in a love tangle with two sisters named Lucy (Berg) and Joan (Malone). As with any love triangle, there is a vast emotional difference between the two women involved. Lucy is a sensitive, caring woman, ready to help Rich find happiness, while her sister is a medium who finds her arm possessed by an unsettled soul which causes her to constantly write the ghost’s thoughts from beyond.
Throughout the performance Rich is forced to examine the path of his life as he watches his Uncle John coping, yet seemingly unaffected by the passing of his wife. John is a foul-mouthed seasoned fisherman who seems disconnected from emotion due to his many years spent at seas, choosing rather to live in a life of what could have been. This provides a very palpable and heated relationship between John and Rich, as Rich is living in a life of what could be, rather than pursuing the love which Lucy presents him.
Rich and John’s relationship was a focal point of conflict in the show, as Rich is clearly a younger version of his flawed uncle, yet is too proud to admit it. The interaction between the two offered a significant range of emotions for the audience ranging from laughter to depression.
The greatest assets of “Sailor’s Song” were its well written story, well-constructed set, optimal lighting, intimate setting and the application of universal themes of joy and grief. The strong performances of Feehely and Berg are also noteworthy, as actors present their roles in such a convincing way that the audience forgets that they are watching a staged-production.
Feehely easily runs away with the comical component of the show, with audience members listening closely for whatever quip or ill-advised advice he has to offer regarding love. Berg, on the other hand, completely dominated her role, showing a tremendous commitment to her character whether being focused in the scene or not. A particular scene which displays her great ability is while watching her sister dance with John. Lucy presents a longing look which anyone who has ever finished second in the game of love knows all too well. Her ability to capture that moment of pain certainly opened old love wounds of this audience member’s heart, and showed her genuine emotional ties to her character, Lucy.