Harold and Maude is presented by The Group Rep. Written by Collin Higgins. Directed by Larry Eisenberg. Produced by Lloyd Pedersen.
The stage adaptation of this 70s cult movie brings back the dorky young man and the eccentric octogenarian, united by a strange fascination for funerals. Harold (Landon Beatty) is an awkward young man who doesn’t have much purpose in life other than scare people with his pranks, including killing himself. His Mom, Mrs. Chasen (Susan Priver), tries to set him up with computer dates, hoping to get him married and settle down. But Harold does not agree with his mom’s plans, so he does what he does best, scare the hell out of the potential girlfriends with his sinister pranks. Sylvie Gazel (Kat Kemmet) and Nancy Mersch (Jessica Kent) run away at the first scare. Sunshine Dore (Gina Yates), on the other hand, proves to be too much of a melodramatic actress for both Harold and Mrs. Chasen. Witnessing all the drama unfolding is the family’s maid, Marie (Lareen Faye), who starts to get used to all the chaos in the house.
In the midst of Harold’s unhappiness, Maude (Clara Rodriguez) shows up at a funeral officiated by Father Finnegan (Lloyd Pedersen). Harold is also present, attracted by his morbid fascination of strangers’ funerals. That first connection leaves an impression on both Harold and Maude. From that point on, the characters’ backgrounds start to take shape along with their mutual attraction. Time, however, will be a determining factor in the consummation of their love, specially when Inspector Bernard (JC Gafford) and Sergeant Doppel (Steve Shaw) show up at Maude’s door.
Maude’s motivations, from rescuing a seal (Fox Carney) to saving a tree from the city’s pollution, are reflections of her life. An experience lived to the fullest, happiness and loss included. An experience too valuable to let it expire without passing it on to a new generation. Beyond the romantic characteristic of their relationship, their love is a bridge between two generations—the dusk of a rich existence and the dawn of an existential dilemma. Will Maude be more influential than Dr. Matthews (Fox Carney) to Harold’s search of meaning in life?
Director Larry Eisenberg gives new life to this story written more than fifty years ago. His work with the actors elevates the play to another level. The combination of dark humor and philosophical questioning is masterfully displayed on stage both in dialogue and action. Just like the story itself, the presence of young and experienced thespians is a poignant revitalization of the controversial topic of age-gap relationships. The use of projectors is an inventive way to recreate some of the most memorable scenes in the movie.
Harold and Maude is a pleasantly hilarious and moving play that features amazing talent on the legendary Lonny Chapman Theatre, home to the Group Rep, celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Harold and Maude
Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage (1st Floor)
10900 Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601
Wheelchair Accessible. Free Street Parking
February 10 – March 19, 2023
Friday & Saturday Evenings at 8:00 pm, Sunday Matinees at 2:00 pm
Talkbacks after Sunday Matinees Feb 19 & March 5
Tickets: www.thegrouprep.com/
The Group Rep cast features the talents of Landon Beatty (Performs February 10, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, March 10, 11, 12), Fox Carney, Lareen Faye, JC Gafford, Kat Kemmet, Jessica Kent, John Ledley (Performs February 11, 12, 17, March 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 19), Lloyd Pedersen, Susan Priver, Clara Rodriguez (Performs February 10, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, March 10, 11, 12), Steve Shaw, Janet Wood (Performs February 11, 12, 17, March 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 19), and Gina Yates. Douglas Gabrielle (Father Finnegan U/S). The roles of Harold and Maude are double cast. Landon Beatty and Clara Rodriguez will perform together. John Ledley and Janet Wood will perform together.
The production team includes Mareli Mitchel-Shields (Set Design), Douglas Gabrielle (Lighting Design), Angela M. Eads (Costume Design), Christian Ackerman (Videographer), Patrick Burke (Puppet Design), Judi Lewin (Wigs/Hair/Make-up), Steve Shaw (Sound Design), Doug Haverty (Graphic Design).
