PicksInSix Review: And Neither Have I Wings To Fly - First Folio Theatre
TO FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS.
PicksInSix® Review | Ed Tracy
As First Folio’s splendid production of Ann Noble’s “And Neither Have I Wings To Fly” unfolds, a disheartened Peter Donnelly (David Rice) and his family are coping with the passing of his wife, Moira (Adrianne Cury) while his daughter Eveline (Haley Rice), the family anchor, is in preparation for the wedding of youngest daughter Kathleen (Jennifer Mohr).
Eveline had put her own dreams and aspirations on hold for three years to care for her ailing mother. She is now conflicted by the responsibility to care for her aging father and tend to the day-to-day matters of the home against her own aspirations. As we discover early on, there is movement and a path out, but the clock is ticking. There is also a looming deadline that will require a spiritual nudge to present options, pose questions and allow her to make a decision.
When Moria’s spirit appears to Eveline and takes steps to help her through, it’s also clear that Moira has some questions of her own to be answered before she can move on.
Along the way, Kathleen, who is about to marry Leo (David Gordon-Johnson) is swept up by Freddy (Michael Dias), a former lover and touring actor who openly threatens the marriage while everyone except Eveline and Moira’s spirit appear to be looking the other way. Once Leo’s exuberant brother Charlie (Andrew Behling) arrives on the scene to awaken Eveline’s hidden desires and take a stand of his own, the hearty stew of this poignant story about eternal love overcoming loss begins to simmer.
Director Heather Chrisler evokes mid-50s Ireland at every wonderful opportunity – through Noel Huntzinger’s period costumes, the blissful original and traditional music and sound by Lindsay Jones, and the evocative lighting by Julie Ballard. All these rich elements enhance the stunning and detailed interior scenic design by Angela Weber Miller. A nod goes to vocal and accent designer Sammi Grant whose work with the superb company is earnest and true.
It was announced this week that the final production of First Folio’s three-show 2023 season would be cancelled and the company, a fixture for 26 years under the guidance of co-founders David Rice and his late wife Alison C. Vesely, will close this month. Rice and his daughter, Hayley, have not performed together since 2013’s “The Rainmaker,” which, for all of us parents who dream of this opportunity, is one more compelling and exceptional reason among many to see this heartwarming drama at Maylake Peabody Estate before it closes on February 26.
PHOTO|First Folio Theatre
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