By Crystal Hayduk
“Family” can mean a hundred things at once.
Playwright Paul Stroili has written a story with quite a few of those different meanings for family in “My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War.”
The Michigan/Ohio War, you ask? Does this mean the 1835 dispute about the border between the state of Ohio and the Michigan territory? Or the famous maize and blue vs. scarlet and gray rivalry?
Yes, both.
It also means sibling rivalry.
And friction between mothers and children.
It could plausibly mean something between spouses, too. But I’m not giving away any secrets.
As the play opens, we are introduced to the unseen character of Freddy Campbell at his funeral. He had two passions: the University of Michigan and the Michigan/Ohio War.
Teri Clark Linden plays his widow, Izzy, who masterfully breaks the fourth wall with a bit of improv and are some of the funniest moments of the show.
Freddy’s biological daughter, Carey, is portrayed by Caitlin Cavannaugh; and his adopted son, Josh, is played by Dez Walker. The overt conflict between the two adult siblings makes them seem more like young teenagers. Their behavior and their grieving mother’s interaction with them in scene after scene makes for dark comedy—the kind where I felt almost embarrassed to laugh.
Under the direction of Susan Angelo, we see a family with a wide range of behaviors, from disrespectful, competitive, and jealousy to caring and empathetic. From the outside looking in, we recognize aspects of ourselves we either regret or relish. Despite the absurdity—or more likely because of it—we can’t help laughing.
Lighting design choices aid Izzy’s storytelling in flashbacks to Carey and Josh’s childhood. Sound clips add elements of humor throughout the show.
The homey set is retro, with an abundance of props that include Michigan paraphernalia. With great attention to realistic detail, the set and properties add to the storyline, giving us a glimpse into Freddy’s den and Izzy’s favorite things as the children help to sort items in preparation for the widow’s downsizing.
The amazing surprise ending is an unusual style for a PRTC show, and one you won’t want to miss.
“My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War” will make you laugh and ponder—and maybe even learn something new about state history.
Note: Contains adult content and may not be suitable for children under 13 years old. The performance contains the use of water-based haze and flashing colored lights that may affect some viewers with photosensitive conditions. The performance runs 90 minutes without intermission.
My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War
What: World premiere comedy written by Paul Stroili (his second play premiered at PRTC)
When: Now playing through May 25; seven to eight performances a week – evenings and matinees. See schedule here.
Where: The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea
Director: Susan Angelo
Cast: Caitlin Cavannaugh, Teri Clark Linden, and Dez Walker. Voiceovers by Kevin McGrath, Caroline Hubbard, Fred Macklin, and Ryan Carlson.
Crew: Design includes set by Sam Transleau, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Suzanne Young, lighting by Matt Taylor, and sound by Matt Tibbs.
Composer: Brandon Scott Grayson
Choreographer: Rhiannon Ragland
Stage manager: Ryan Carlson; assisted by Caridad Guy
Managing director: Katie Hubbard.
Tickets: Available online or by calling the box office at 734-433-7673. Ticket prices start at $30 with special discounts for seniors, patrons 30 years or younger, members of the military, teachers, and groups (12+).
About the Purple Rose Theatre Company: Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the non-profit Purple Rose Theatre Company “… is a professional theatre company with roots in the Midwest that takes a handcrafted, artisanal approach to producing new and classic American plays that are nothing less than one-of-a-kind experiences.” (https://www.purplerosetheatre.org/about/)
