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SALEM community theatre ‘Leaving Iowa’: Sit back and enjoy the ride, story, acting
By Eric McCrea
As summer gets into full swing, The Salem Community Theatre ends its season with a play about a fine American tradition, the family road trip.
“Leaving Iowa” by Spike Manton and Tim Clue explores the history of a family whose vacation time was often spent exploring roadside attractions and unconventional destinations.
Director Chris Fidram worked his magic to make a passable script laden with dad jokes and adults acting like children into something genuine. His use of stillness controlled the chaos and made the family dynamic real.
The story is told by Don (Brian Suchora), who narrates while slipping in and out of flashbacks to the family’s offbeat road trips. In the present, the family gathers to celebrate a birthday, but the rediscovery of Don’s father’s ashes prompts a trip to find a final resting place. As Don sets off alone, he reminisces about his childhood and the various roadside characters they encountered.
Suchora used his voice to differentiate time frames, sometimes midsentence, and it worked remarkably well. He was an endearing child, and as an adult, he carried the audience on a journey of regret and guilt, coming to an emotional finish.
Leslie Whetstine was a tantrum queen as Don’s sister. Her chemistry with Suchora was integral to the believability of the flashbacks, and she nailed it. Her look was a bit obvious, but that didn’t mar her performance at all.
Brenda Zyvith maintained a charming accent throughout the show, and had a classic sense of style as Don’s mom. She made great use of the script, landing all of her punchlines.
David Wolford was delightful as the family patriarch. He was at times blustery, offset by a keen sense of exploration. The role was somewhat one-dimensional at times, but Wolford was able to bolster his character to make him fit with the rest of the characters.
Jennifer Milligan brought loads of exuberance to her three separate roles, with her Aunt Phyllis being a real standout. Matthew Schomer’s Uncle Phil (one of five roles he filled) was equally enthusiastic and memorable.
Eric Kibler was impossible to ignore in his several roles, but their similarities made them difficult to separate. His wife, Amy-Anne Kibler, had a lot more variety to work with, and did a great job as the Cart-Chaser.
The script makes great use of flashbacks and an uncomplicated set kept scene transitions smooth. Music selections were spot on adding the perfect amount of humor and sentiment. While often funny, Fidram made sure to emphasize the emotion when it worked, making this show well-balanced.
“Leaving Iowa” can be seen at the Salem Community Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and today and next Sunday at 2 p.m. For reservations, call 330-332-9688.