A review of Walk Two Moons
by Alicia Rodenbeck
Pre-Teens have a lot going on in their lives. They cope with friends, schoolwork, bullies, and their changing bodies, and today they even have to worry about social media. All of that said, it’s not unheard of for the young people of today to have a journal where they put down their thoughts and feelings to clear the space in their brain.
Walk Two Moons, currently in production by all for One at the PPG Arts Lab, explores the life of a young girl named Sal who has even more going on in her life than the typical girl of her age. The play, based on the Newbery Medal winning novel by Sharon Creech, follows Sal (Elianna Maser in her afO debut) on an emotional road trip with her grandparents (Daniel Woodruff and Lorraine Knox), to see her mother. Along the way Sal shares the story of her friendship and adventures with Phoebe Winterbottom (Leonna McIntosh also in her afO debut), who suspects her neighbor is hiding a secret. The play is a poignant exploration of love, friendship, loss and grief.
Because so much of the play is told as a memory, the scenery resembles a clear mind, with only a series of platforms and a projection of a large maple tree which is central to the story. Director Jeff Salisbury’s minimalist design allows the movement through the scenes in Sal’s memory to be as fluid as the story she is telling – pieces appearing and disappearing as needed to set each scene.
As usual, afO has done an excellent job of assembling a truly marvelous ensemble of 11 actors to bring this play to life. Many of the adult performers portrayed multiple roles, often making quick transitions. These transitions much like those of the scenery were seamless, and did not distract from the story. Many of the roles that were double cast even subtly added to the plot, which could be observed if you paid close attention.
Nate Chen in his various roles as John (Sal’s father), Mr. Birkway (Sal’s teacher), and Sergeant Bickle, is compassionate, but also firm. As John you can see the struggle he has while dealing with a somewhat headstrong daughter alone while also dealing with his own loss. As Mr. Birkway you see the compassionate but somewhat oblivious teacher, who truly cares about the students in his charge. He transitions between the two easily and you can see elements of each in the other.
Playing Sal’s mother (Sugar), and also Margaret Cadaver is Stacey Kuster, who also serves as the executive director of afO. The connection between Kuster and Elianna Maser, who plays Sal, is truly special. While often speaking to each other from across the stage, when they share a scene together it is truly heartwarming, and at the same time heart wrenching. Kuster brings grounding to Sugar who has a bit of a unique personality. You again see that grounded manner in Margaret Cadaver as she reaches out to help Sal understand some of the grief that Margaret and John share.
Gram and Gramps are a brilliant pair played by Lorraine Knox and Daniel Woodruff respectively. They have excellent chemistry and feel every bit the old married couple they portray. They are full of witty remarks for each other and they make each other, and the audience, laugh. But even as tragedy strikes their bond remains strong, and the tone shifts to their complete devotion. Woodruff’s pivot from joker to grief is incredible. You feel his loss as if it were your own.
The heart of this show are the two newcomers: Maser and McIntosh. It was obvious that the two girls had outstanding chemistry in their on-stage relationship as best friends. They fed off of each other so very well. McIntosh’s Phoebe was intensely energetic, reminiscent of a young Jodie Sweetin on Full House, funny, physical, borderline hysterical at times but also just an 11-year-old girl, riding that rollercoaster of emotions.
Balancing her was Maser, who as Sal, the main character and storyteller, has a large emotional load to carry in the show. Maser’s performance is powerful, ranging from giddiness to grief. She tells the story almost as if she were reading a book that you can’t put down, full of intensity and feeling. Sal goes through so many things, some on her own, some vicariously through her friend, but at each turn you see the emotions coming through in Maser’s body language and face. She is a talent beyond her years.
The ensemble under Jeff Salisbury have put together an incredible production. Every action is deliberate, and they all flow seamlessly to tell this beautiful story in a touching and emotional way. It is a show for everyone who has experienced loss, and for those who love them as well.
Tickets are on sale now for the remaining three performances. Click here to get yours today!
Friday, March 14, 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 15, 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 16, 2:30 PM
Adult $22, Senior(60+) $19, Student $15, Groups 8+ $15
