Two sisters, a mere six years apart in age, are literally worlds apart in life experiences. Rose Weiss (Christy Hall) left Poland for New York with her father, Mordechai Weiss (Ralph Elias), at age four. Her mother (D. Candis Paule) and older sister, Luisa (Jessica John), were left in Poland, suffering under both the Russian and German invasions and occupations.
These two strangers are brought together in 1946 and live in Rose's small apartment. Revealed over the rest of the play is the history of the Weiss family and friends. While there is a sad history for those that remained in Poland, a warmth develops in the sisters. Mordechai is a traditional stern, dictatorial father, whose inner core barely shows through.
Set Designer Marty Burnett's Manhattan apartment feels authentic and cramped with barely enough room for even a modest selection of furnishings. One can only imagine a tiny Pullman kitchen just down the hall from the postage stamp-size dining room. The single-sized bed just fits in the closet-sized sleeping area. Yet, the design works well for the cast.
Playwright Barbara Lebow's A Shayna Maidel calls for a creative use of space and the ability of the cast to transport the audience through time. Director David Ellenstein, aided by lighting designer Matt Novotney, does just that. We know when we are in a camp, we know when we are in Poland, we know when Luisa is thinking about her lost husband, David Pechinik (Christopher M. Williams). Excellent staging and direction.
At times, we are transported back to when Luisa is young and playing with her friend Hanna (Maya Baldwin).
Jessica Johns expertly contrasts the thoughts and feelings of Luisa past and present. She becomes Luisa back in Poland, changing her speech and body language. Her character's determined effort to find her lost husband, her adaptation to her new home, and a sister who can speak but a few words of Polish create inner tensions which we can see and feel. The contrast between Rose's stylish attire and the humble threads of Luisa further define their characters. Compliments to costumer Jeanne Reith for contributing to the powerful experience.
