Ensemble cast superb
in complex production

AUBURN — “August: Osage County” achieves a landmark level of excellence for Community Little Theatre in its current production.

Credit goes equally to each of the 13 actors in this unflinching portrayal of a ferociously dysfunctional family. It’s ensemble acting at its best, and this cast brings several new faces to the CLT stage.
The play opens with the patriarch of the family, Beverly Weston, interviewing Johnna, a Native American woman, for a job as housekeeper and personal aide for his pill-popping wife, Violet. His extended prologue details the depths of Vi’s addition, but Johnna, with quiet determination, asserts her need for the job. Soon after hiring Johnna, Bev goes missing, and family members arrive at the large Oklahoma farmhouse, fearing the worst.
Director Adam P. Blais has assembled a superb cast. His guidance through the complex relationships and inescapably uncomfortable situations results in a production of breathless brilliance.
The opening night audience was small, taking barely a third of the auditorium’s seats. Several powerful scenes earned applause, and the final touching moment brought an enthusiastic standing ovation.
CLT’s presentation of this highly controversial play held several risks and challenges for audience expectations. Advance publicity made it clear that the show contains strong language and adult situations. While CLT has presented many powerful dramas in its 75-year history, this show is packed with raw emotion and exceptionally rough language. It’s a departure from CLT’s popular musicals and comedies, with occasional drama.
This show attests to CLT’s ability to broaden its offerings while planning a coming season of familiar popular shows.
Roger Philippon, a popular CLT veteran, plays Beverly Weston. Although he is seen only at the beginning, it’s a pivotal role.
Jackie Oliveri, in her debut on the CLT stage, delivers a powerful, nerve-shattering performance as Vi. She has extensive theatrical credits throughout the area.
Kay Warren portrays Johnna Monevata with low-key control in the face of brutal verbal assaults among the family members.
Three estranged daughters of Bev and Vi return from all corners of the country with husbands, children and a fiancé. Barbara is played by Jennifer Fox, seen in CLT‘s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “Spamalot;” Ivy is played by Elizabeth Chasse-King in her debut at CLT; and Karen is portrayed by Ashley Thibodeau, who appeared in CLT’s “Greeting!” Barbara has a husband, Bill, played by Paul Menezes, CLT and regional theatre veteran.
Lindsey Cagney, who plays Barbara and Bill’s 14-year-old daughter, Jean, will be remembered for CLT roles in “Little Shop of Horrors,” ‘The Addams Family” and “Into the Woods.”
Ivy is unmarried and Karen is engaged to Steve Heidebrecht, played by Dan Kane, seen in numerous CLT roles.
Margaret Matheson, a popular veteran of regional theater companies, portray’s Violet’s sister, Mattie Fae, who is married to Charlie Aiken, played by Mitchell Clyde Thomas, who has appeared in dozens of CLT productions. Charlie and Mattie Fae have a son, “Little Charles,” played by Jason Pelletier, and Cory King plays Sheriff Deon Gilbeau, a family friend.
Over several days and weeks, the audience witnesses the disintegration of a family. Each new revelation leads to further betrayal, further disillusionment, and further life instability.
This production’s set is also outstanding. It fills the stage with the two-story interior of the Westons’ house. There are seven or eight rooms, and the action occasionally takes place in two or three at the same time. On top of that, the large set rotates somewhat so characters can play a few outside scenes.
“August: Osage County” is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play by Tracy Letts. There’s also a fair amount of dark comedy in this play.
Remember that this show contains adult language and content and is not suitable for young children.
Remaining performances are at L/A Community Little Theatre, Thursday through Saturday, June 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 12, at 2 p.m. at the Great Falls Performing Arts Center, 30 Academy St., Auburn. 

For tickets call 783-0958 or go online to www.laclt.com