THE HALF-LIGHT
I so enjoy seeing plays at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills. It’s the easiest theatre experience in town. And in the almost-decade that I’ve been reviewing their shows, I’ve seen only one that I didn’t like there. That’s a pretty good record.
Ivy Khan with Grinnell Morris in the background. Photo by Eric Keitel, as is the one at the top of this review.
And the record continues with The Half-Light, even though I didn’t really understand the point of the tale. My friend got something out of it, including having a good explanation of what the end meant. I still enjoyed the journey, but I’m not sure what the play is supposed to be about. On a few days’ reflection, I think that perhaps the theme is second chances, which I’ve always believed in, so if that’s what the playwright was going for, I’m good with it.
The Half-Light, (not to be confused with the horror movie, Half Light, which is what comes up the most when you google this play,) is sort-of a heavy drama, but with many laughs thrown in. You know that I rarely tell you much about the story of a play, so that you can experience it for yourselves, but I feel this case warrants a bit of explanation.
The scenario is basically about a secretary at a small New England college, and the people in her orb–the male professor I assume she works for, a woman who also works at the college and is her best friend, and that woman’s daughter. And for once, all four actors, (Ivy Khan, Stephanie Erb, Abigail Stewart and Grinnell Morris,) are perfect for their roles. So big kudos to whoever cast it; there’s no credit for that job in the program.
The headline, though, appears to be that the secretary has been training to see ghosts. (And, for the record, in case you’re curious, I do believe in ghosts. I’ve even told Mr. X, on multiple occasions, that if I pass before he does, I’ll be haunting him for the rest of his life! So he needs to listen for me, which would actually be a big change from real life!)
Ivy Khan and Grinnell Morris. (And no–that is not a cake! It’s a Scrabble board.) Photo by Eric Keitel.
However, part of the narrative is very sad because there’s an unseen tragedy early on. (So if you have been affected by a family tragedy yourself, you may want to skip this one.) My very sensitive friend says the show is great, despite crying through at least half of it.
I do think the play will spark many conversations with your fellow theatre-goers on the meaning of it all, which is always a good thing.
But there is one situation that confused me throughout–all three other characters change wardrobe several times, but the secretary never does until donning a coat for the last scene. She also changes her shoes for that scene, which makes no sense. My friend thinks that the lack of new wardrobe was because the actress has no time to change, but she definitely does, especially at intermission. She could even throw on a sweater over her constant dress, or just add a scarf. Or she can put her hair into a ponytail or bun, which would show us the passage of time. [Note: The professional photos, (as opposed to the few by me,) in this review are not very representative of what the cast looks like in the actual show, but they’re all I have, so please don’t judge by them.] When I saw The Half-Light, as soon as one actress changed her wardrobe a bit, I was a tad distracted by why the main character never did.
The beautiful and important projection on the back screen, along with what the set and wardrobe really look like. Photo by Karen Salkin.
Speaking of passage of time, the program tells us that the action takes place over a year and a half, but even the approximate dates are not clear enough. In the second half, the characters change some signage on the front of the desk in the college office, so that helped a bit, but I thought the sign stayed the same in the first act. Again, I may have just been distracted by the lack of wardrobe change.
But at least Benjamin Rock’s wonderful brief projections on the backdrop set many of the scenes for us in a lovely way.
And, at just a short two hours, (which include the intermission,) The Half-Light is easy enough to sit through.
(L-R) Ivy Khan, Stephanie Erb, and Abigail Stewart, featuring another wonderful projection. Photo by Karen Salkin.
One warning, though—the theatre has been extremely cold the last few times I was there, (after always being too hot for many years,) so I suggest dressing in layers, just in case. I’m usually hot, (of course,) but even I’ve been cold there recently!
What I expect will also be hot is Theatre 40’s upcoming holiday presentation. I think it has something to do with the movie Die Had. I understand that some people think that film may pertain to Christmas; I never saw it, so I can’t join the debate. But I have a feeling this show will really be fun, so you should check out the info below.
Also on a fun note, as I entered the actual theatre from the lobby, I looked up and noticed that the sign above the entrance said “Mary Levin Cutler Theatre.” And just a few minutes later, it was announced to the assemblage that actual Mary Levin Cutler was right there in the front row! That was a trip to see the generous woman for whom the theatre is named! And on a plain little matinee, (as opposed to opening night, to boot.) I love people who support that arts like Ms. Cutler does.
The Half-Light running through December 17, 2023
Theatre 40 241 S. Moreno Drive Beverly Hills
310-364-0535 www.theatre40.org
