Everything is Wonderful may not always be accurate but it’s a lovely thought.
Everyman Theatre in Baltimore has brought this profound and intimate drama by Chelsea Marcantel to audiences until February 24, 2019.
In a small town in Pennsylvania, an Amish family has suffered terrible tragedies. This view into an Amish family reveals not only how different we are but how similar. The Amish are Christians whose traditions stem from the time of the Protestant Reformation. They live simply and use their hands where machines are used by modern people. They live in small communities and travel by horse and buggy. They farm the land using shovels to till the dirt. No machines or modern day appliances exist in these intimate communities led by a bishop. Men are always the leaders and women’s role is care for the home, the family, and help with the farms that grow their food.
Esther, (Deborah Hazlett) and Jacob, (Bruce R. Nelson) have just suffered tragic losses. They live in a small Amish community with their two daughters, Miri (Alex Spieth) and Ruth (Hannah Kelly). They also had two sons who were just killed in an accident caused by Eric (Tony Nam). The family must forgive the person who caused this loss. Forgiveness is the essence of their religion, just as Jesus taught.
Eric, on the other hand, has problems of his own but is overcome by guilt and seeks out the family to ask for punishment for what happened. The family forgives but at the same time, he is English, as the Amish call non-Amish. Therefore, he doesn’t belong. Eric finds solutions to his own problems but life isn’t that simple. Abram (Steve Polites) is a young neighbor who tries to help Jacob with the farm. He is also interested in marrying one of Jacob’s daughters.
The story is dramatic yet simple. It is as contemporary as any modern family story, but more profound because of the setting in what appears to be a serene place, yet filled with tension. Bruce R. Nelson is quietly magnificent as Jacob, the calm and loving father, yet distant and protective of his community. Deborah Hazlett seems to be held together with feathers until she finally explodes in an intense and vivid way. Her community, religion, and traditions are everything to her. Alex Spieth as the older daughter is feisty and powerful as she becomes rebellious for a very good reason. Her story is the most tragic. Ruth is convincingly sweet and kind as she tries to hold everything together. Tony Nam becomes the troubled youth who needs to feel part of something bigger than himself. He does this beautifully. Steve Polites is a young man who seems to have an easy time because of his good looks and charm. He is a bit clueless about what went wrong. His performance is also noteworthy for its similarity to many who just don’t get it.
Brilliantly written and luminously portrayed, these characters are as vivid as one’s own family. Daniel Ettinger skillfully creates the farm where most of the action takes place. Cory Pattak created the lighting design. Ben Argenta Kress designed the costumes. Sound and original music was composed by Pornchanok Kanchanabanca.
This is an outstanding production and should not be missed!
