Veteran memories on stage in Hearts
by Celeste H. Breitenbach
news@timesheraldnews.com
On a mostly unadorned but very utile set at Centerstage through Dec. 2, Hearts hearkens back to the World War II era. Through the medium of weekly card games of Hearts, Willy Holtzman’s play opens a window – if only a tiny crack – into the long-hidden tormented memories of his father’s experiences as a Jewish-American soldier fighting Hitler’s nightmare.
Portraying the playwright’s father figure Donald Waldman, Jordan Charney commands the stage. His cohorts Vasili Bogazianos, Bill Cwikowski and Merwin Goldsmith take on more than 60 roles, effortlessly stepping in and out of characters that bring long-suppressed memories alive.
Hearts is more than just a card game. By play’s end, the heart of a man is laid bare, forever joined to the hearts of those he came to save.
Along with the marvelous cast, Director Tim Vasen merits a standing ovation as do Lighting Designer Matthew Frey and Sound Designer John Gromada for their realistic war effects.
Hearts is a not-to-be-missed powerful theatre experience. It has been honored with a Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play and an Arthur Miller Award for Dramatic Writing.
Performances are Tuesdays thru Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Other matinees are on Nov. 14 and 28 at 1 p.m.
Tickets range from $10 to $60. Special discounts are offered to veterans and active duty military as well as seniors age 62+. Veterans of any war are invited to share their stories in a Veterans Day Post-Show Audience Talkback after the 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday Nov. 11. Other special programs also are planned.
For show tickets or more information, call the box office at 410-332-0033.