The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Carol Montana, photos by Jack Wade

ELLENVILLE, NY (June 5, 2013) – The tide may be going out, but the emotions run high in a truly beautiful play that opens Shadowland Theatre’s 2013 season.

“Outgoing Tide” is a play about family, about trust and love, about sickness and health, about holding on and letting go. Written by Bruce Graham, the play has almost as much humor as pathos as it tells the tale of a family torn apart by the pain of dementia.

At the end of summer on Chesapeake Bay, Gunner, now retired from his trucking business looks healthy as a horse. But very early on the audience sees that he does not recognize his son Jack. And although his illness is never named, we assume he is suffering from Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. Then again, he’s always told tall tales, so how much is illness and how much is just another instance of Gunner fooling around.

Jack is having his own problems – he’s in the middle of a divorce and has a son who’s giving everyone a hard time, so it’s hard for him to focus on his parents’ problems.

And a problem it is for Peg, Gunner’s long-suffering wife of 50 years. Her frustration is boundless as she tries to convince Gunner to move with her into an assisted living facility.

But Gunner has his own plan on how to deal with his illness and how to provide for his family, and it’s not a plan that goes down easily.

Tom Teti is marvelous as Gunner, giving a solid performance with his blustery, bullying type manner under which beats a heart of gold. The frustration in the forgetfulness, the strength with which his character fights tooth and nail against the illness, and the craftiness of Teti’s Gunner as he strives to plan ahead even as he dives ever deeper into the pit of his illness is inspiring. Teti embodies the face of Alzheimer’s, and we weep for him, even as we laugh at his jokes. “I don’t know anybody I hate enough to wish this on.”

Jon Krupp plays Jack perfectly as the bewildered son. His love for his parents is clearly visible, as is his discomfort with the ongoing discussions with his mother about Gunner’s illness. Krupp easily switches from adult to child in the  flashbacks and convincingly takes on the role of mediator between his parents, even while he is often in denial.

Perhaps the most difficult role is that of wife and mother Peg, which nevertheless is well handled by Jodie Lynne McClintock. The playwright has made the character very one-dimensional. Her frustration is bottomless, her tears are non-stop. One gets tired of her anger, and of her repeated “I need help with this, Jack.”  Peg’s anger overshadows the deep love she has for her husband. Tender moments are few and far between, leaving a palpable yearning for a little empathy. Peg, as written, is not a sympathetic character. But McClintock rises above the playwright’s failings with a performance that brings tears to your eyes in the closing moments.

The set design by Drew Francis is simple, as it should be, since the emphasis here is on character. And yet, it consists of many levels, appropriately so. John Wade’s lighting design makes wonderful use of projected clouds and bright seascapes and dark sunsets. Special kudos to sound designer Jeff Knapp for the seagulls and rippling waves. Just perfect.

It’s a very special play that director James Glossman has crafted. “Outgoing Tide is poignant, honest, and beautifully done.

“Outgoing Tide” is playing on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 16.  For additional information, call the Shadowland Box Office at 845-647-5511 or visit The Shadowland Theatre website.