The Group Rep presents the World Premiere of Can’t Live Without ‘Em. Written by Lee Redmond. Directed by Mareli Mitchel-Shields. Produced by Brent Beerman for The Group Rep.
Thomas Axelrod (Bert Emmett, Animal Farm, Motel 66) is in some kind of trouble. He suffered a stroke and is now in a coma. But he is still able to hear. His ex-wife Maureen (Cynthia Payo, Room Service), rushes to the hospital to be with him. So is his current wife Sharon (Daisy Staedler, The Laramie Project). And his previous unknown mistress Chrissy (Jazz Strong). A horny Dr. Payne (Paul Anthony Kelly) is the physician that tries to bring Thomas back to a normal life.
After a brief scare of an incoming nuclear attack, the flickering red lights were nothing more than just a technical glitch, cleverly addressed by Emmett during the performance and candidly addressed by the staff during the intermission. Suddenly, we had a second chance in life.
Back to the story. The play is brilliantly written by Lee Redmond. Emmett plays Thomas as his consciousness, a playful blend of psycho-narration and interior monologue. As Thomas is unable to move, all he can do is listen and reflect on his actions, virtues and vices included. Maureen is the character that tries to hold all the pieces together in the face of adversity. Payo delivers a terrific performance portraying the quirky Maureen: Loud, clueless, and on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
A very peculiar motif in Act II is the palm trees all over the place. In the context of the story, palm trees seem to symbolize femininity, endurance, and peace. Three characteristics that convey Thomas’ life.
He has surrounded himself with women, loving and playing them at the same time. And now, in a helpless situation, he has no other option but to hear what they have to say. That includes dating other men to explore their sexuality, taking back their femininity. As an extra punishment for his philandering, he also has to listen to chatty Tammy (Jessica Kent, Harold and Maude, Room Service, Motel 66), his nurse at the long term care facility.
Physically, he needs endurance to survive his stroke. Unable to move, he can only hear his surroundings and worry about the fate of the women in his life. And, of course, the fate of his unborn child.
And lastly, achieving peace as the life cycle is about to end. Thomas and the three women have to decide if this will be an achievable goal. The interactions among the women will be a factor to determine the resolution.
The witty dialogue keeps the audience engaged and invested in the characters. Although the pacing of the second act started to feel a bit slow, the action picked up by the end in a frenetic display of physical comedy. Director Mareli Mitchel-Shields uses the skillful talent of her cast to create rich and three-dimensional characters that are effectively framed by a carefully-curated stage design. The World Premiere of Can’t Live Without ‘Em is another fine example of the successful Writers Workshop at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, inspiring and nurturing talent to keep live theatre alive for years to come.
Can’t Live Without ‘Em
Lonny Chapman Theatre – Upstairs Stage
10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood 91601
April 11, 2024 – May 12, 2024
Thursdays and Sundays at 7: 00 PM
Saturdays at 4:00 PM
Tickets: thegrouprep.com
Written by Lee Redmond. Directed by Mareli Mitchel-Shields. Produced by Brent Beerman for The Group Rep.
Cast: Bert Emmett (Thomas Axelrod), Paul Anthony Kelly (Dr. Payne), Jessica Kent (Tammy), Holly Seidcheck (U/S Chrissy White performs May 2, 4 & 5), Cynthia Payo (Maureen Axelrod), Danny Salay (U/S Dr. Payne performs April 25, 27, & 28), Daisy Staedler (Sharon Axelrod) and Jazz Strong (Chrissy White).
Creative Team: Set Design Mitchel-Shields/Redmond, Lighting Design Frank McKown, Graphic Design Doug Haverty, Assistant Director/Stage Manager Casey Murray, John Ledley (Tech Operator), Online Marketing Kristin Stancato, Social Media Denise Downer and Jackie Shearn, Promotional Video and Photography Doug Engalla.
