“In Every Generation” Exceedingly Exceeds Expectations By Anna Hessel With Wes Hessel

“In Every Generation” Exceedingly Exceeds Expectations

By Anna Hessel With Wes Hessel

 

Victory Gardens Theater’s “In Every Generation” is a play perfect for the Passover season, but you certainly don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this stellar production.  Beautifully written, it chronicles the lives of a Jewish family over the years, celebrating holidays of faith, with a chilling look forward into 2050.  The acting is absolutely superb.  The characters are shown at various ages, and the cast does a very believable job in each generation.  I was especially impressed with the two actors that are aged during portions of the play, unable to speak, in wheelchairs.  They communicate flawlessly and wordlessly.  Accents are spot-on, and there is consistency in each portrayal.  Diet Coke brings comedic relief throughout the show.

The play handles anti-Semitism with candor and a righteous anger, mentioning the attack in Pittsburgh, which happens to be my old neighborhood, so it really hit home.  This work passes no judgment but clearly points out that hate is never the answer.  The family dynamic is dramatic and at times humorous.  Sisterhood is front and center, the two siblings not in agreement on many issues but deeply love each other.  One scene where the girls share a hug is especially touching.  The fact that family is not always blood related is revealed here with honesty and verve.  Men and women of the cloth are portrayed realistically, showing their flaws as well as their strengths.  The Holocaust is recalled with extreme effectiveness and probity; the pain remains raw and unshakable.

The closing scene is very memorable, taken straight from the Old Testament and Torah, albeit with a few anachronistic touches.  The set is exquisite and I really like the theater-in-the-round setting for this theatrical work.  The entire production is well tied together by exceptional direction.  As always, Victory Gardens makes the experience special, with post show discussions after some performances, yummy kosher treats available for a nominal fee, and a very friendly staff.  Come out and enjoy this wonderful play during this holy season of spring, running now through May 1st.  For tickets or more information, please go to their website at www.victorygardens.org.

 

 

 

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