Jessie (Muriel Bonertz) comforts Mama (Miriam Monasch) in a rehearsal for Workhouse Theatre’s ‘night, Mother. Photo by Duane Atter.
Jessie and “Mama” face each other intently across their small living room. Jessie has just announced a decision that will change both their lives and, as the conversation flows back and forth, the tension is building steadily. “Wait a minute,” says Muriel Bonertz (the actress not the character) suddenly jolting me out of my suspension of belief. “I was supposed to set this down before now,” she continues, gesturing to a bag of coffee and bringing the rehearsal to a temporary halt.
It’s hard to believe that ‘night, Mother is only a few short weeks into production, but this particular night they are reviewing their blocking; where they need to be, when they need to be there and what they need to be doing at all times. And to this end, director Richard Jackson has put accomplished Twin Cities actresses Bonertz (Jessie) and Camden’s own Miriam Monasch (making her first appearance with Workhouse Theatre, in the role of Mama) through their paces. The play is a parade of activity; Mama paces about while she chides, saucepan in hand, setting it down smartly for accent. Jessie is in and out of the room, in and out of cupboards, and always carrying something. ‘night, Mother is a play about two women who never stop doing things with their hands, because they have far too much on their minds.
Hoping to continue the runaway success of February’s The Underpants, Camden’s Workhouse Theatre has picked a strong candidate. Nominated for four 1983 Tony Awards, and a winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in that same year, Marsha Norman’s ‘night Mother drew a standing ovation during a one-night-only staged reading by Workhouse Theatre in fall of 2006. Returning for the full theatrical treatment, this show examines the bonds between parents and children, husbands and wives, and families in a way that is both haunting and unforgettable. Middle-aged, depressive Jessie has made a decision that will affect her life and that of her dependent, feisty mother. As Jessie and her mother discuss the ramifications of Jessie’s impending actions, old wounds are opened and unasked questions finally get their answers.
‘night, Mother will be performed May 2-5, 8-10, and 16-17 on the Workhouse Stage at The Warren (4400 Osseo Rd.). All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. except for Sunday, May 4, which is a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $10 if paid in advance and $12 at the door ($8/$10 for students and seniors). On Thursday, May 8 WTC brings back its popular Camden Night, where residents can get two tickets for $15 simply by mentioning “The Camden Night Special” at the door. For tickets, call 612-386-5763, visit www.workhousetheatre.org, or email boxoffice@workhousetheatre.org. Workhouse Theatre’s 2007-2008 season is made possible, in part, by Camden-based sponsors Papa’s Pizza and Pasta, Sauced (formerly Rix Bar & Grill), and Camden Pet Hospital.