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‘Bluefish Cove’ at Oakland is timeless show
By Lorraine Wardle
Youngstown
The 25th season at The Oakland Center for the Arts is coming to a close. Known for producing plays that push the envelope, The Oakland culminates this season with a groundbreaking play from 1980, “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove.”
When it was first produced, “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove” by Jane Chambers was considered revolutionary because it dealt with lesbian relationships in a realistic manner. Though it has been more than 30 years since it was written, the play still is relevant and poignant today.
The play takes place in a small, isolated rental village in idyllic Bluefish Cove in the late 1970s. Every year, a group of gay women vacations together in the privacy and serenity that the cove has to offer.
But this summer, things are different. As the play begins, Lil meets Eva, a new young woman who has just rented the last empty cottage. Eva has recently left her husband and has joined the resort village unaware that it is a vacation spot for lesbians.
At first, Lil and her friends are unsure how to act – do they all pretend to be straight? But Eva accepts them and hopes to find a friend in Lil. She does, and much more.
The play takes a more dramatic turn when we learn that Lil has undergone treatment for cancer and is still suffering from the treatments. As her relationship with Eva grows, her health deteriorates.
It is hard to believe the play was written more than 30 years ago. Chambers’ script is well-written with quick, fresh dialogue. It could easily take place today. A few details would change, of course, but the material is still relevant.
Chambers’ treatment of her characters makes her play universal. They are normal, complex, multilayered women. The fact that they are gay is almost incidental. They could be anyone — gay, straight, black, white, native American.
Director Chris Fidram and his cast have worked to bring Chambers’ script to life.
Laura Collins Phillips plays Lil as a tough, brassy, independent broad who revels in her single life. Terri MacSkimming, as Eva, is her foil, a sweet, naive, insecure housewife who wants to be liberated. By the end of the play, MacSkimming’s Eva has grown more confident, while Phillips’ Lil has softened.
Haggy Hageman and Brittiani Ketcham play couple Annie and Rae. Hageman’s Annie is pragmatic and positive, and Ketcham’s Rae is her caring counterpart.
The next couple is Kitty, a successful doctor turned author, and Rita, her secretary and lover. Kris Harrington played Kitty with confidence while Haley Jane Otto’s Rita was somewhat ditsy but devoted.
Geri Dewitt’s Sue was kind but weary and much put-upon by Kate Starling’s shallow Donna.
Friday’s opening-night performance ran smoothly, thanks to stage manager Jenna Cintavey. Jim Canacci’s set makes great use of the small stage.
“Last Summer at Bluefish Cove” continues at the Oakland on Friday and Saturday and June 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. For reservations, call 330-746-0404.