It’s not often I walk out of a theater amazed by the truly remarkable ensemble work I have just witnessed. But I can honestly tell you “When Stars Align” by Carole Eglash-Kosoff and John Henry Davis performed as a guest production at the Odyssey Theatre in West L.A., I thought this is not to be missed for both its message and the incredible way in which it is presented.
From the moment you walk into the theatre, you will be swept into the world of Moss Grove, a plantation north of Baton Rouge, La., beginning just before the Civil War, during its battles faced, and then through the turmoil of reconstruction afterwards when slaves were set free but still suffered racial prejudice at the hands of those who blamed them for the destitution in their own lives.
The play begins as two sisters visit the thriving plantation with the elder, Elizabeth (Sarah Lyddan, all Southern Belle bravado and charm) having her heart set on marrying the owner’s randy and dastardly misguided son Henry (handsome Nick Ballard). Her tomboy sister Amy (impish Haley McHugh) wants nothing to do with conforming to society’s expectations and dresses in overalls, much like the hard-working plantation slaves we witness picking cotton.
One day she heads down to the river and meets Thaddeus (Jason Woods), who turns out to be the offspring of the plantation owner’s son and the young and lovely slave Rose (Allison Reeves), the result of a cotton field rape in front of all the other slaves. But Amy does not know this when they meet and admires blue-eyed Thaddeus for his ability to read, sharing her interest in books and poetry.
Of course any conversations between a black man and white woman were forbidden and these two know their friendship could cost Thaddeus his life. But a seed of hope is taking hold in the hearts of this boy and girl and they are determined to be more than just friends, even though caught in a household built on unwavering tradition.
Even today we can still hope for couples such like Amy and Thaddeus, the stars will align for a new equality, allowing all couples in love to plan a future together without recrimination.
Over a century has passed since George Santayana warned us that “those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it,” yet our nation has still failed to eliminate racism. This is a lesson we should have all learned from our Civil War, but unfortunately the struggles faced by this play’s characters ring as true today as they did then. Will the stars align for a better future where true equality rules for everyone? I certainly hope so.
Directed with thoughtful insight by John Henry Davis with an evocative scenic design by JR Bruce, moody lighting by Leigh Allen, musical direction and sound design by Christopher Moscatiello, choreography by Arthur Ross, and period-perfect costumes by Michael Mullen, and thanks to Michael Donovan casting this play is blessed with an ensemble cast that takes their roles seriously and graciously shares such important and relevant history with us, even when the subject matter and language is so offensive to today’s sensibilities.
Each deserves kudos for their many roles, including (in alphabetical order): Nick Ballard, Benai Boyd (in a stunning turn as Melanie, the New Orleans whorehouse madam), Nic Few, Haley McHugh, Camron Jones, wonderful violinist Eric Charles Jorgenson, Brad C. Light, Sarah Lyddan, Kaitlin Huwe (evocative vocals and guitar), Allison Reeves, Veryle Rupp (as Jefidiah, the more modern thinking plantation owner), Jacques C. Smith, Tamiyka White (as Sarah, the slaves’ mother-of-the-earth), and Jason Woods.
“When Stars Align” by Carole Eglash-Kosoff and John Henry Davis continues as a guest production (by CEK Productions) through Oct. 4 at the Odyssey Theatre located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays (also 8 p.m. Thursday Oct. 1). Tickets are $30 ($25 for students and seniors). Reservations: 323-960-7738 or www.plays411.com
