Gingerbread Lady Packs a Punch at the Westchester Playhouse

I wasn't sure what to expect from Neil Simon yesterday, as I usually associate him with straight comedy. But this production at the Westchester Playhouse was a pleasant surprise.

For those of you not familiar with Neil Simon’s The Gingerbread Lady, this dark comedy left no emotional stone unturned. Maureen Stapleton once won Broadway’s Tony Award as Best Actress in the role of Evy Meara, a notable cabaret singer who has come undone, and tries to adjust to sobriety through hosting a festive birthday party.

All bets are off as personalities unravel, revealing a poignant commentary on the tenuous nature of the human condition. Thankfully, the comedic undertones kept the production from being too heavy-handed.

My experience with the Kentwood players usually centers on musicals, so this was a nice departure. Each character displayed incredible depth, and I found myself reflecting on the many stories I’ve heard about people battling alcohol, drugs, and a multitude of other challenges, reminding us that life is not always easy or fair.

If you like emotional dynamics, coupled with some timely comic relief, this play is for you. Kudos to director, Drew Fitzsimmons for addressing issues that affect all of us.

Playing through August 19, 2017

CAST

Jimmy Perry-played by Ken MacFarlane

Manuel-played by Al Gomez

Toby Landau-played by Genous Novin

Evy Meara-played by Lezlie Moore

Polly Meara-played by Sara Bozin

Lou Tanner played by Marco Garcia Ballare

Westchester Playhouse

8301 Hindry Ave.

LA 90045

310-645-5156

http://www.kentwoodplayers.org...

Playing through Aug. 19th