The Neil Simon Comedy, “Jake’s Women” opened last weekend for a 5-week run at Theatre 29. Managing Editor Tami Roleff was in the audience and offers this review of the show…
“Reality is a bummer.” These words are from Theatre 29’s newest production, Jake’s Women, a classic Neil Simon comedy directed by Butch Pelfry, in which the title character, Jake, a novelist, escapes from his marital problems by living in a fantasy world with the women in his life. Starring as Jake is K.W. Heckart, who is on stage for the entire play and does a solid job in the role. All of Jake’s women are attractively cast, from the funny funny Wendy Costello as Jake’s sister and equally funny Jeanne Rodick as his therapist, to the idealized but genuinely sweet Rebekah Douglas as his dead first wife, Julie. Jake’s daughter Molly is superbly portrayed at age 12 by Kayleigh Coughlin and at age 21 by Kara Dailey who is also making her Theatre 29 debut. The scene in which the dead Julie meets the grown-up daughter she never knew, is one of the production’s best. As Jake’s second wife Maggie, Janet Peercy has the tough task of creating two distinct characters — Jake’s real wife and the idealized, adoring version in his mind. And Cheryl Gillon is efficient and sympathetic as Sheila, the girlfriend and potential third wife. Some language may be inappropriate for young children. Jake’s Women plays 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through February 11, a Thursday night show January 26, and a Sunday matinee February 5. Ticket prices are $8 to $12, available by calling 760-361-4151 or theatre29.org. Theatre 29 is at Sullivan and Adobe Roads in Twentynine Palms.
WE REVIEW “JAKE’S WOMEN” AT THEATRE 29
