By N. Richard Nash. Directed by Bonnie J. Monte. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Pictured (from left to right): Anthony Marble as Starbuck, Monette Magrath as Lizzie Curry. Photo credit: Joe Guerin
‘The Rainmaker’ – Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey – A Review
Now playing through Aug. 18, 2019 is The Rainmaker at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. This play is inspiring and very enjoyable to watch. There is just something special about this production that totally held my interest. The story is one for the ages as it involves struggles many people go through in their lives. It is both moving and enchanting as it gives hope to anyone who doubts their own virtues and gifts. A brilliant cast performs, and the staging is very well done.
Written by N. Richard Nash, this production is directed by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Artistic Director, Bonnie J. Monte. Ms. Monte also serves as Scenic Designer for the show. In her Director’s Notes, she writes that The Rainmaker “is too often dismissed as a romantic comedy . . . It certainly is romantic. . . and it has many funny moments, but it is an intense drama – one that is often brutal in its honesty and in the pain that its characters go through.”
The pain of change is brought out with fine acting from the cast. Referring again to Director Monte’s notes, she says: “The Rainmaker is a very difficult play to perform. It requires brave actors who are willing to be deeply vulnerable with each other and in front of an audience. I have been blessed with a cast of great skill, courage, and generous spirit.” The strength of the cast and the performances they deliver make this a play well worth seeing.
A Story that is Moving and Enchanting
The Rainmaker centers on the Curry family who live on a ranch. No specific state or town is mentioned; it is assumed to be someplace out West on a summer day during a drought. A fine job was done on this set to allow the Curry home to be on one side and the Sheriff’s office on the other. Additionally, side pieces create an illusion of private areas being used. The set is not elaborate. Instead, it reflects the signs of hard working people who are struggling to make a living.
H.C. Curry is the father of the family. Noah, Jim, and Lizzie are the grown up children. All three of them go through major changes in their lives during this show however, the main focus is on Lizzie. Lizzie is considered to be “plain” thus making it difficult to find a husband. Monette Magrath plays Lizzie. She does a remarkable job of showing a character who goes between doubting her own value as a woman and one who might see herself successful and happy one day.
Lizzie’s father, H.C. Curry, is trying to get her married. Played by Mark Elliot Wilson, this is a father to cherish because he is warn, supportive, believes in dreams, but also has some footing in reality. As the play opens, Lizzie returns from a visit out of town to try to connect with a potential mate. She has no luck so the search turns to File, who serves with Sheriff Thomas as the law enforcement in the area. Corey Sorenson plays the difficult role of File showing how complex the character is. His ability to carefully peel down the layers of the issues File carries with him is apparent in the end. File is able to begin a loving relationship with Lizzie. But the process of getting there is painful to watch.
Benjamin Eakeley plays Noah. Noah is a solid, hard working man who uses numbers to prove his points. Noah’s anger remains buried until he finally tells his father to be honest with Lizzie and that she is plain and won’t get married. Instead, the father tries to boost her confidence but to no avail. At the same time, younger brother Jim is making good progress with his new love interest in town. Isaac Hickox-Young makes Jim the most lovable character in the show. He’s young, funny, and willing to sample life.
Eventually, a plan is hatched to invite File to dinner.When he arrives, it is a bit of a disaster because he holds back and Lizzie does not have the confidence to pursue him either. Also, Sheriff Thomas, played by Nick Plakias, begins talking to people about a con man who is due to be in their territory. The Sheriff’s role shows the concerns of law enforcement about this type of character and so it is no surprise when the rainmaker, named Starbuck, enters the show. He manages to get H.C. to hire him to create rain. The reactions of the family are interesting to watch because each suspects that this man will not create rain. Even H.C. isn’t certain; but he feels it is worth a try.
The Rainmaker as a Character in the Show
Anthony Marble plays the the rainmaker named Starbuck. From the moment of his initial entrance, he creates a character with a mystique surrounding him. He is fascinating and a little frightening at the same time. He is a con man, no doubt. He asks people to pay him to make rain and it never comes from what he does. He has a magical personality and lots of creativity in him that absolutely enchants Lizzie. He is also magical to Lizzie because he helps her see things that are beautiful about herself. In turn, she creates magic for him when rain suddenly starts to fall.
The scene where the rain falls is wonderfully done in this show. Lizzie captures the essence of the moment that fulfills Starbuck’s promise. There is no actual rain that falls on stage. However, the way she holds back her head facing the heavens and allows the “rain” to coat her face is enough to allow us to believe it is happening. It is a glorious moment in the show.
By N. Richard Nash. Directed by Bonnie J. Monte. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Pictured (from left to right): Anthony Marble as Starbuck, Monette Magrath as Lizzie Curry, Isaac Hickox-Young as Jimmy Curry. Photo credit: Joe Guerin.
The relationship between Starbuck and Lizzie is warm and refreshing to watch. He inspires her to believe in her own uniqueness and suddenly she doesn’t project plainness anymore.
A Show Worth Seeing
The Rainmaker is an ideal show for people of all ages to see. It has moments of humor, reflection, family, and personal growth. It seems like a lot to cover in a little over 2 hours; but this production is so well paced and so well staged that you can take it all in.
Unfortunately, The Rainmaker is only running through Sunday, August 18, 2019. It plays on the Main Stage of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue (at Lancaster Road), Madison, New Jersey.
For tickets and information: Call 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.
If I had the ability to create some magic, I would want to see this show continue on for a while either in Madison or on a nice stage in New York City. It is a rare moment in the theater and one that Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey can be very proud of.