From
Reviewplays.com
THE QUALITY OF LIFE
by Carol Kaufman Segal
It is ironic that this world premiere of a Geffen Commissioned
play is being performed at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen
Playhouse at this time (since it is about a couple losing their worldly goods to
a wild-fire). The Quality of Life was written and directed by Jane Anderson.
The play opens with Dinah (JoBeth Williams) and Bill (Scott Bakula) discussing
their relatives, Jeannette (Laurie Metcalf) and Neil (Dennis Boutsikaris. (They
are sitting in front of a closed curtain, supposedly in their home in Ohio.)
Dinah tries to convince Bill that they should pay a visit to Jeannette and Neil
to offer them support due to their loss and tragedy. However, Bill and Dinah are
still grieving over their recent loss, their college-age daughter Cindy, who was
raped and murdered. Bill says their tragedy can’t compare with his and Dinah’s,
but he acquiesces to travel to the hills of Northern California to visit
Jeannette and Neil. The curtain opens and the rest of the play takes place on
the burned-out hillside of what used to be the home of Jeanette and Neil.
These two spirited characters are making do by living on their land, sleeping in
a cylindrical tent, cooking outdoors, using a solar panel for electricity, and
making the best of whatever they can. But there is more to it than that. Neil is
in the final stages of cancer and has chosen to put an end to his suffering. He
and Jeannette, after 23 years of marriage, are complete soul-mates, and
Jeannette has made her decision to go with Neil. When Dinah and Bill learn of
their plans, a fight between the couples occurs. Dinah and Bill are deeply
religious and are unable to understand their relatives. Can they convince
Jeannette that she still has a life to live, that there is still life after
death, even for them?
With wonderful direction by Anderson and a realistic set by Francois-Pierre
Couture, all four actors give performances that stir up emotions and give cause
for thought regarding religion and morality and what value is placed on life.
The Quality of Life plays Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8 PM, Fridays at 7:30
PM, and Saturdays at 3:30 PM and 8 PM. The Geffen Playhouse is located at 10886
Le Conte Avenue in Westwood. For reservations, call (310) 208-5454.
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