Are you listening Juanita?
While Trevor helps his forty something year old daughter Juanita recover from an illness, she suddenly is writing up her "bucket list" of all the things she wants to try. Two sisters who have their differences and their mediator Sunny round up the cast.
Waiting For Godot… The sequel!
A Are You Listening Juanita? Fringe Review by Andrea Noga (AYTC).
Are You Listening Juanita? is a new play that follows a family preparing for the return of estranged connection, Marlowe. As they wait for her, they discuss family history and the past medical issues of the youngest member, Juanita. It is a sweet play about family, and embracing life.
Are You Listening Juanita? begins with a beautiful Hawaiian dance performance, before settling into the narrative. The actors work well as an ensemble, leaning on each other for connected performances. While the scenes and lines could go just a tad faster, the cast members are committed thoroughly. Joanne Poplett as nurse Sonny is a standout performance, delivering lines with smart comedic timing and strong projection.
The script, written by cast member Judith Richardson, is both heart-warming and funny, blending family squabbles and meaningful conversations. However, while the script is sharp, the plot is slightly off-point. The show centers the family awaiting the estranged “Marlowe”, who the family has mixed opinions on– some quite heavily opposed to her return. The audience eagerly awaits Marlowe’s return, however the play ends days before the return happens. The show includes many heartfelt scenes and deep familial talks, however they all feel as if they are building to a climax that never comes. This leaves the show feeling slightly hollow.
While the script may bury the lede, the connection between the cast members makes the story worth watching. Seeing the way they help each other throughout is as heartwarming as the sweet fictional family of the show. Are You Listening Juanita? may not thrill, but it will tug at your heart strings.
Are you listening Juanita? Plays at the Chianti Yardbird Suite.