The joy of word pictures! Truman Capote reflects on his childhood in Holiday Memories. Placed in the depression dirt poor-south, "The Thanksgiving Visitor" and "A Christmas Memory" bring the audience the meaning of the holidays, of family, and of values.
Dennis Scott, new to San Diego, is the adult Capote reflecting upon the past. Scott's portrayal is the very essence of Capote; dialect perfect, just a hint of his lifestyle, and the usual drink in his hand. (The only thing missing is the smoking.) Scott sets the scene and interjects comments, all in Capote's wonderful language. His is one of the best performances of this theater season.
Josh Gibson is Buddy, the younger Truman. He has the proper awkwardness of a young boy, though his age works just a bit against him. Paula Pierson, as Miss Sook Faulk, is his companion during the formative years. Pierson delights as the sixties-something relative. Sook never really grew up, making her the perfect special friend of Buddy. John Antonov and Adrienne Rene play a variety of foils and relatives of Sook and Buddy. Costumer Laura Grant defined each character well and creates an authentic depression look. Musical director Michelle Hakala, a beautiful soprano, plays the piano accompaniment.
This production opens with a medley of church hymns, typical of a rural southern church, and closes with holiday music. Tim Heitman's deft direction is apparent throughout, while the ambiance of a dirt-poor south is a credit to Ellen Chang, the set designer. Her set is suggestive, rather than totally realistic, in part, because of the many changes in location required by the play. One feels very much in touch with the period.
Russell Vandenbroucke's stage version of Capote maintains much of the writer's genius for the written word. It is impossible to watch the play without reflecting on our own holidays of yore.
