The Quality of Life

October 23rd, 2007
The Audrey Skirball Kenis/Geffen
Play, we went with Pam

Written and directed by Jane Anderson
Starring: Laurie Metcalf, Scott Bakula, JoBeth Williams and Dennis Boutsikaris

Plot: a conservative midwest couple who have recently lost their daughter to a horrible crime spend the weekend with their cousins, a Northern California couple, who are dealing with the ravages of a wildfire and cancer. In a painfully funny and touching clash, both couples emerge from the wildfire weekend with different futures than they'd originally planned.

I can't say enough about this fluid and supportive cast of seasoned actors who trade powerful moments so gracefully, as if passing the salt at the dinner table. It's a powerful piece, and it's visually rich and entertaining as well. Each actor imbues their characters with a life that makes it so easy to relate to and empathize with their humanity.


The play has very natural and entertaining language and makes a solid argument for the value of open dialogue about morality and spirituality, as well as for the freedom for individuals to explore and define their quality of life... and death. And to me, more importantly, it shows the damage that desperately blind self-righteousness effects. We enjoyed what the playwright had to say, and most especially how she chose to say it.

The fact that the critics were sorta split on this play tells me the writer created these characters and their baggage so convincingly and so realistically, that some reviewers took sides, instead of seeing the value in both perspectives. We loved the play because it showcased the importance of healing the divide and segregation in our country. And the incredibly strong performances are some of the most solid we've seen in a while.

The Geffen delivers quality once again. An excellent evening of theatre. It needs to be on the mainstage though!

Special thank you to Allison for letting me post these photos (photo credit: Michael Lamont); without photos, it would be twice as hard to preserve these wonderful theatre memories

~S