WE REVIEW “STRANGE SNOW” AT GROVE’S THEATER IN MORONGO VALLEY

The play “Strange Snow” is playing at the Grove’s theater in Morongo Valley through March 31. Special correspondent Les Taylor offer this review of the story of redemption…
Over the years, the Grove’s Cabin Theatre in Morongo Valley has earned a reputation for presenting quality dramas and comedies by many award-winning writers. Their current production, “Strange Snow,” by Steven Metcalf does nothing to diminish that reputation. Set in 1983, the play tells the story of two Vietnam vets, Megs and David, who served together, and David’s sister Martha, who he lives with. David is still consumed by guilt over the death of a fellow soldier which he feels responsible for. Abe Daniels, who also directed the show, delivers a powerful performance as Megs, who is determined to force David to confront his demons and turn his alcohol-driven going-nowhere life around. As the drunken David, Kurt Schauppner takes a step outside his comfort zone to portray the former high school star athlete. After returning from Vietnam, injured in both body and spirit, he now drives a truck and feels life holds nothing more for him. Kurt does a fine job bringing this character to life. I thought Donette Swain’s portrayal of Martha, David’s shy “not quite a spinster” high school teacher sister, had a lovely, fragile quality to it. As the story progresses, Martha finds herself drawn to Megs and ultimately decides to take one last chance on ending her lonely existence. “Strange Snow” has lots of laughs sown through its serious story of redemption, hope and the human spirit and I enjoyed the show. I have to warn that the dialogue is extremely adult in nature and this play is absolutely not for children. “Strange Snow” plays the next two weekends through March 31 with performances Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:30. Tickets are $12 for all seats and reservations can be made through the box office at 760-365-4523. While I was told the Saturday shows were sold out, seats were still available for the Sunday matinees. And, if you’re a gambler, you can just go to the theatre on Desert Willow Trail in Morongo Valley as often people who have made reservations don’t show up and you can claim their seats. The night I saw “Strange Snow,” there were four no-shows. Those four people made a mistake missing this very good show.