By Brenda Bishop
For the Times-Standard
Thursday, October 1, 1998
EUREKA -- The North Coast Repertory Theater opened its 15th season with a theatrical display of fireworks and passion.
Written by Michael Brady, "To Gillian On Her 37th Birthday" may prove to be one of the best opening season plays NCRT has presented, "Gillian" is the story of a family caught up in the tragedy and memories of the accidental death of Gillian, whose fatal accident happens on her birthday. Her passing haunts the hearts and minds of those who loved her most -- her husband David and daughter Rachel.
Now, two years later on the anniversary of her death and 37th birthday, Mends and family come together to by and make sense of a senseless loss.
The plot moves like paint on a canvas and its dialogue is melodic and haunting, Brady is a master at conversation and a stickler for details, He lays out his vision without beating you with frivolous sub plots and characters.
More important is how director James Floss has interpreted this script, He has developed an amazing link with the playwright that is simply masterful.
His casting and stage direction is filled with reason and purpose, Floss has allowed the script to truly tell the story while making intelligent staging choices. Floss' scene transitions are clever and he even outdoes his directorial craft in a scene in which the ghost of Gillian and her sister Esther retell a childhood memory together, "Gillian's" casting is superior and their characterization is flawless -- even despite a few unruly, obnoxious audience members. The cast works so well as an ensemble that not one actor upstages another -- there is no doubt that this alone is an accomplishment that makes this show shine brightly,
Gary Sommers plays David, the husband whose soul has all but wasted away after the death of his wife. Sommer's character is the foundation that makes this cast work so well together. He changes and molds his character's image with each transition of the play. His longing for Gillian, played by Pam Long, and his maniac behavior -- an attempt to make sense of the world -- is compelling.
Actress Nycole Bird plays Kevin, an alluring woman who hopes to jump-start David's love life again. She is by far the most realistic character in the show, Bird's acting style is smooth and easy going. Her performance may quite possibly be the most memorable of the show. Mention should also go out to McKinleyville High School student and actress Christy Spaudllng for her performance as Rachel the daughter who experiences her mother's death firsthand at age 14. Spaudllng is another team player to this amazing acting crew of seven.
As if the acting and directing were not enough, NCRT has managed to survive the leaving of longtime set designer Aaron Shore and has enlisted the skills of set designer Edmond Deraedt. Deraedt has created a set worthy of professional theater. His fantasy beach cottage -- complete with sand and beach plants growing up through the deck's lattice - goes beyond the norm of community theater. His attention to detail can be found in every aspect of his stage design.
The production crew continues to flatter this show with their creative nocturnal Lighting from Wilkins Macabre and sea side noises from sound designer and operator David Cash, "To Gilllan On Her 37th Birthday" will stimulate your intellect and warm your heart.