NCP presents powerful ‘Other Desert Cities’

February 9, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

By Eric McCrea

New Castle, Pa.

The New Castle Playhouse opened its 2014 season with “Other Desert Cities.” This powerful drama by Jon Robin Baitz tells the story of a politically and religiously divided family struggling to prevent their past and present from tearing them apart.

The show opens with the Wyeth family returning from a tennis match at a Palm Springs country club on Christmas Eve. Patriarch Lyman Wyeth is an actor turned politician portrayed by Scott Mackenzie. Devoted wife Polly (Molly Galano) is a powerhouse politico with her own Hollywood background. Daughter Brooke, played by Whitney Ann Jenkins, is home for the holidays after finishing her second book. Travis Ascione plays Trip, the youngest of the Wyeth clan, who works on a lighthearted courtroom TV show. Completing the family portrait is Maria Petrella-Ackley as Aunt Silda Grauman, who is doing her best to stay on the wagon.

Through the course of the day, the family discusses their dysfunctions, which include depression, drugs, careers, money, and the subject of Brooke’s book, the absent brother Henry. As gifts are wrapped, emotions run high, tensely peaking when a dark, shameful secret is brought to light.

Galano easily is one of the most well-known and respected actors in our community, but director Lester Malizia has managed to assemble a cast that meets her level of talent. Mackenzie shines in his role and is a perfect match for Galano. Ascione flies under the radar in the first act, serving mostly to ease tensions, but his emotional performance shows that even the most normal member of any family isn’t immune to its chaos. Petrella-Ackley is perfect as the truthfully imaginative aunt who serves mainly as much-needed comic relief, but does not shy away from joining in and escalating the drama.

Jenkins carries much of the weight in this show, and with a strong cast such as this, she fits like a glove. Her many talents serve her well as she brings to life a very dynamic and complex part, troubled yet strong, steadfast but open to changing course when new information is revealed.

Also worthy of note is the California-style set designed by Jack Hanna, including an impressive backdrop painted by Sindy Hanna and Jaime Wise.

The greatest strength of this show is the development of the story, pulling you in further and further with each subtle twist. It takes a while to feel authentic, but it is definitely worth the investment. The references to Sept. 11 are a bit forced, and do nothing to enhance the plot. Despite these minor flaws, this play is a great character study, and this fine caliber cast is sure to impress.

“Other Desert Cities” runs today and next Sunday at 2 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets, visit www.newcastleplayhouse.org or call 724-654-3437.