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‘Women of Lockerbie’ speaks to soul
By Stephanie ottey
“Once in a while, a script comes along that seems to speak to your soul. Such is this play,” explains director Mary Ruth Lynn of her newly opened “The Women of Lockerbie.” Based on real events and told with a delicate reverence, this dramatic one-act at the Youngstown Playhouse’s Moyer Room is sure to speak to anyone’s soul.
“The Women of Lockerbie,” written by Deborah Brevoort, is a reminder of the tragic events of Dec. 21, 1988, when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people.
The play is an homage to the victims of the crash, their families and the ladies of Lockerbie who worked to bring peace to those suffering. Brevoort beautifully captures the myriad emotions that follow a devastating event. In an articulate and poetic way, she paints pictures and fully develops the feelings of agony, hate, sadness, numbness, anger and helplessness in an achingly real way. She not only tackles these feelings but also touches on themes of religion and politics delicately and honestly. Full of quote-worthy dialogue, the script is surely as enjoyable to read as it is to watch.
Lynn assembles a top-notch cast to share the story of the Lockerbie tragedy. The actors develop deep, heartfelt characters that represent all sides and shapes of humanity. They display a shared reverence for the text, and this enhances the potency of the story-telling immensely.
Stephanie Cambro returns to the Playhouse as Madeline Livingston. With her chin set firmly in anger and her eyes filled with desperate agony, Cambro is a powerful force on stage.
Terry Shears plays her steadfast husband, Bill. Once again, Shears creates a completely lovable character and weaves a subtle vulnerability through his performance as well. Shears will make you weep.
The villainous George Jones is played by Tom O’Donnell, who commits to the role so completely that his characters’ ending twist is a true surprise.
The women of Lockerbie are well represented by Jill Cataldi, Dana Dunnavant, Tanja Temelkoff and Susan Thomspon. The ladies, four walking Hallmark cards of comfort in charming and warm Scottish brogues, invite viewers into Lockerbie and make us want to stay there.
Lynn takes a clean approach to every aspect of the show. The lovely dialogue isn’t cluttered by unnecessary movement, and the technical designs remain clear as well.
Jim Lybarger’s set is simple, with geometric platforms, some silhouetted trees, and a fabric river flowing through the center. It represents the hills of Lockerbie, and with the cast’s assistance, it easily paints the necessary picture. His lighting design is one of the most-advanced to be seen in the Moyer Room thus far, though it maintains matching simplicity.
The Moyer Room is turning quickly into a versatile and powerful performance space. It’s easy to say that the Griffith Adler series of shows is outshining its competition on the Playhouse mainstage. Theatergoers would be smart to keep an eye on future productions, as “The Women of Lockerbie” is a sign of more good to come.
“The Women of Lockerbie” runs through Saturday at the Youngstown Playhouse. The theater is at 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown. For more information, call 330-788-8739.